THE Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre has installed PV panels and solar thermal technology at its premises.

The investment will improve the environmental sustainability and long-term financial viability of the vital Cornish charity, which supports people with neurological conditions and neurodiversity.

Named the Carbon Footprint Reduction Project, the charity successfully applied for £38,420 funding through Cornwall Council’s Good Growth Community Levelling Up Programme, which is delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The total project cost is just short of £60k with the charity contributing nearly £18k and a small grant of £2,037 previously awarded from the Co-Op Community Fund.

There are two elements to the project – the installation of 162 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roofs of its main centre and its hydrotherapy pool which are located on one site at Hewas Water, between St Austell and Truro.

The second is the installation of solar thermal consisting of eight solar thermal collectors which harness sunlight to provide a primary heat source for the pool water which is kept at a constant 32-35° celcius.

The calculation provided by its supplier is that its carbon emissions will reduce by 19237kg per annum and will achieve a significant reduction in its energy costs.

Sophia Marlow of GreenGenUK, which was awarded the contract following a tender process, said: "It’s been a real privilege to work closely with the Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre team on this project, and it’s fantastic to now see it at the installation stage.

“We’ve designed a system that will cut energy costs and carbon emissions while supporting the Centre’s long-term sustainability. Knowing this will help them continue delivering such vital services to the community makes the project especially rewarding."

The project will significantly reduce energy emissions and ongoing utility costs, enabling the charity to focus more resources on providing its essential services to the local community, while also reducing its environmental impact.

“This project is a crucial step towards securing a more sustainable future for our centre,” said Sarah Snell, Centre Manager.

“By reducing our energy costs and emissions, we’re able to protect the long-term future of our services and demonstrate our commitment to the environment and our local community.”

Work on the project was completed at the end of September.