The district council has agreed to fork out £80,000 for the installation of solar panels at the civic offices.
Epping Forest District Council's cabinet was told this week that the investment would be returned in eight years with a saving of £9,306 in year one.
Solar panels have a life expectancy of 20 years and would generate an estimated 43,914 KW of energy each year.
Alongside the additional panels the council plans to spend £139,428 on essential roof maintenance.
This, according to the council, would have gone ahead regardless of the decision on solar panels.
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