Southern Water has used drone technology to capture images of thousands of solar panels that have been installed at three of its sites to help it reduce its carbon footprint.

Working with their solar energy partner Forrest, Southern Water has installed a total capacity of 4.2 MWpk at three sites - enough energy to provide electricity for between 1,000 and 1,400 UK homes every year.

The generation of this additional solar powered energy is helping Southern Water generate 17% of its total energy needs from renewable sources to run the business across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent.

Around 3,200 solar panels have now been installed at Hardham in West Sussex, 5,700 free-standing solar panels have been installed next to our site in Otterbourne, Winchesterand more than 7,300 panels are in place and ready to go at Testwood in Totton.

The drone footage has captured images of the Testwood and Otterbourne sites.

Forrest designed and installed the solar panels. The project across the three sites has been managed by Arcadis.

Energy Manager at Southern Water, Martin Ross, said:

"The use of renewable energy helps Southern Water reduce its reliance on fossil fuel derived energy, lessen the impact on the environment and help to cut operating costs. We are excited about the prospect of developing further schemes that maximise energy generation from renewable sources and energy from waste."

Darroch Baker, Divisional Director at Forrest, commented:

“These are the first projects successfully delivered as part of the renewable energy framework in partnership with Southern Water. The three sites are ideal for solar PV in terms of ground conditions and climate and, by using this space which would otherwise stand empty, our client is reducing their carbon footprint and enabling the best value out of their land.

"These installs continue our strategy in working alongside water utility organisations across the UK to reduce energy costs and carbon across very energy intensive sites."