Solar power slashes Portsmouth Port costs

The port reports that since switching on its solar array in late 2023, it has harnessed solar technology to deliver major savings and progress its ambitious port electrification strategy.

With 2,660 solar panels generating 1.2MW, and a 1.3MWh battery to store excess energy, the system now supplies up to 35% of the port’s electricity needs.

Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for climate change and greening the city, said: “Our port is striving to become the UK’s first emissions-free port by 2050, and is testament to our city’s environmental ambitions.”

”The low electricity bills demonstrate the real-world impact this forward-thinking strategy is having, saving money for our residents in the process.”

Off-grid capabilities

Portsmouth switched on its solar array in the latter part of 2023.

The solar panels, mounted across port buildings and innovative solar canopies over car lanes, have enabled the site to run entirely off-grid on sunny days.

In the past 12 months alone, they met 21% of total electricity demand. In addition, the port’s new terminal extension drew just 0.28% of power from the grid.

Managed by Portsmouth City Council and installed by Custom Solar, with engineering support from the port, this project marks a major milestone in UK port renewables.

The solar system is complemented with an onsite battery with a capacity of 1.3 megawatt hours, which can power a typical home for four months.

It captures renewable energy, which would otherwise be exported to the local electricity network and redirects it to the port’s buildings when required.