The Councillor for Infrastructure in Orihuela, Víctor Valverde, revealed the encouraging results of the city’s solar photovoltaic installations. The local police headquarters, equipped with thirty-four kilowatts peak since May last year, recorded a total electricity expenditure of nineteen thousand four hundred seventy-one euros. This figure indicates a savings of twelve thousand two hundred sixty-nine euros compared to the previous year.

In addition, the Palace of Water, which had eighty-two kilowatts peak installed in March, reported savings of seventeen thousand three hundred ninety-seven euros within just two months of operation. Valverde stated that this significant reduction in costs underscores the swift return on investment for such projects, with estimations suggesting a payback period of six to seven months.

The total investment for the solar installations amounted to seventy-seven thousand three hundred seventy-eight euros, supported by substantial funding from the Provincial Environment Department. With plans for solar installations at fourteen additional municipal buildings currently in process, the initiative reflects Orihuela’s commitment to energy transition and sustainability.

Valverde emphasised that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy funded by the European Union’s Next Generation EU programme, designed to ensure that the city not only protects the environment but also delivers financial savings for its residents.