Solar panels are going up on 10 public buildings across the Royal Borough generating green, lower cost renewable energy in schools, sports centres and places of worship.

The project is being launched by MaidEnergy, a not-for profit community benefit society (co-op) launched in 2010 by a group of individuals who were passionate about renewable energy.

It will see solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on public buildings ranging from the Memorial Hall in Straight Road, Old Windsor to Thames Valley Athletics Centre in Pococoks Lane, Eton.

The launch event Making the Future Renewable was held on Tuesday at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead – the site of the society's first solar PV installation.

Ian Coggan, one of MaidEnergy’s earliest investors said: “I always wanted to own solar panels, but my own roof is not suitable. Working as a Chartered Electrical Engineer I witnessed the growth of community energy projects across the UK and had already invested in another energy co-op when I heard about MaidEnergy’s initial share offer. I knew I wanted to be involved in local projects too, and offer my support right from the first installation. I met the MaidEnergy Directors and their passion for the growth of lower carbon energy production, community ownership, plus the benefit of schools lowering their energy bills was clear to see."