Bermuda College has been given the green light to install solar panels on two buildings at its Paget campus.

According to planning documents, the college sought permission to install two rooftop solar systems, one on the roof of West Hall and the second on the Career Centre and Hallett Hall.

Combined, the two installations would include 312 panels covering 6,586sq ft and be capable of producing up to 123.2kW of energy.

BE Solar, which submitted the application on behalf of the college, said it was hoped the project would help the Government to meet its sustainable renewable energy targets, reduce Belco load and cut energy costs at the institution.

The application was formally approved this month.

A planning report noted that the installation on West Hall technically encroached on the 20ft setback from College Drive, but the board had discretion to allow it as it would upgrade an existing, nonconforming development.

The report added that while the panels would be visible from some higher vantage points, their footprint had been kept to a practical size and the sight of solar panels on Bermuda roofs had become “part of Bermuda’s vernacular”.

“In closing, this application will enable Bermuda College to reduce its carbon footprint and supports the Government’s commitment to reduce Bermuda’s dependence on fossil fuels by becoming more energy self-sufficient through renewable energy technologies,” the report said.

“Whilst there may be some visual ramifications as mentioned above, solar panels are widely used.

“To this end, the director’s discretion is warranted in this instance, with no anticipated negative impact.”