Bus operator Stagecoach has announced plans to install solar panels across its portfolio of bus depots in the UK in order to reduce its carbon emissions.

Stagecoach has worked with installers Visolaris and Renewable Energy on the projects. Although an initial two installations have been revealed, the company expects more solar installation across additional depots in the near future.

A 250kWp installation has been installed at Stagecoach’s depot in Chesterfield and work is currently ongoing to fit a 280kWp rooftop system on the roof of its Daw Bank depot in Stockport.

Stagecoach expects the vast majority of the electricity generated to be used on site, however any excess will be exported to the national grid via both Visolaris and REI. As much as £1.1 million is expected to be saved from Stagecoach’s energy bills over the installs’ 20-year lifespan.

Sam Greer, regional director at Stagecoach, said that the “new and innovative project” was an example of how the company could benefit from new technology while “tackling the global challenge of climate change”.

The installations also fall under Stagecoach’s environmental targets, which form part of a five-year strategy produced alongside the Carbon Trust. Since 2007/08 Stagecoach has reduced its carbon intensity by 30%, and more specific targets relating to carbon emissions from its buildings have been put into place for 2019.