We recently completed a solar and battery storage installation at Charlbury Community Centre, supporting the centre on its journey to becoming carbon neutral and significantly reducing its reliance on the grid.
We installed 75 solar panels to the roof, paired with a battery storage system providing 50 kWh of capacity. Together, the system is expected to generate close to 29,000 kWh of clean electricity each year. Across the year, it’s estimated this will cover close to 60% of the centre’s energy needs over 12 months, rising to around 75% in the summer months. For a building in near-constant use, this project will have a substantial impact.
System Highlights
- 75 solar panels
- 50 kWh battery storage
- Expected annual generation: ~29,000 kWh
What does this mean?
The centre is projected to save a significant amount on its current electrical costs. Any surplus energy generated during the day is stored in the batteries for use after dark, and once the batteries are full, any excess power is exported to to the grid, generating additional income.
Beyond the financial savings, the centre will see a large drop in its carbon emissions – an estimated 6,000 kg in the first year alone, which is the equivalent to taking a car off the road for over 21,000 miles. Visitors to the centre can track the system’s performance in real time, via an interactive digital display near reception. Find out more about Charlbury Community Centre.
The installation was largely funded by a £28,450 grant from Sustainable Charlbury, representing the final instalment of a £100,000 commitment to support energy-efficient improvements at the centre. The commitment was originally made as part of the planning application for the community-owned Southill Solar Farm, completed in 2015. Revenues from that farm are now, in turn, funding further solar capacity in the community. Visit the Southill Community Energy website to learn more about the project.
A note on cost and funding
Solar installations for community and charitable organisations are zero-rated for VAT, which can make a meaningful difference to the overall cost of a project. Grants, such as the funding secured here through Sustainable Charlbury, can reduce costs further still. If your organisation is considering solar, it is well worth exploring what funding may be available before you start.
Get in touch with our team to find out how solar could work for your community project.
