Worcester City Council's plans for installing solar panels at Perdiswell Leisure Centre have faced significant cost increases, with the installation now estimated at £480,000, plus additional costs for re-roofing and fees, resulting in a total expected expenditure of £865,000. The council initially backed the project in July 2022 for £274,000, aiming to generate 154 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy, but feasibility studies revealed a higher-capacity system of 230 MWh at a greater cost. Meanwhile, a separate project for solar panels at St Martin's Gate multi-storey car park has also seen cost estimates rise by £140,000, now totaling £604,365, leading to concerns about a reduced return on investment that has dropped from 2.5% to 0.5%. The council will convene next week to decide whether to proceed with these projects amidst rising costs and potential financial impacts. Both initiatives are intended to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions for the city. The outcomes of the council meetings will determine the future of these solar energy projects.