USW's ongoing investment in renewable energy

The University of South Wales (USW) is continuing to invest in renewable energy, with hundreds of additional solar panels installed across its estate to help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy resilience and lower electricity costs.

During the 2024/25 academic year, USW's solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generated 410,228 kWh of electricity, delivering an estimated £110,761.56 in electricity savings across the University. 

This equates to: 

• 1,261 solar panels in operation during 2024/25 
• An average of 325.32 kWh of electricity generated per panel 
• An average saving of £87.84 per panel 

Building on this success, USW has expanded its solar provision during the 2025/26 academic year. 

A further 317 solar panels have been installed across the Learning Resource Centre and Glamorgan Court student accommodation (C, D and M blocks). An additional 266 panels will be installed as part of the new Calon development, bringing the University's total to 1,844 solar panels across the estate. 

The installation on Glamorgan Court M Block was carefully planned to meet the building's energy demand while also protecting local wildlife. Work took place in April within strict ecological licence requirements due to nesting birds. 

‘Our considerable expansion of solar panels across our estate is one part of a multi-faceted strategy to reduce our energy costs and drive USW towards its objective of being a net zero organisation by 2040. Combined with other energy reduction initiatives we have reduced our annual energy consumption by £1.2m annually, demonstrating the University’s commitment to both financial and environmental sustainability. Colleagues ability to deliver these initiatives seamlessly is a real testament to their professionalism, and is helping to ensure our estate plays an important role in reducing USW’s carbon footprint.’ Mike Bessell, Director of Estates & Facilities 

Savings are estimated using the average electricity rate across the 2024/25 academic year. Actual savings vary depending on electricity prices and energy supply arrangements.