Phoenix Centre – Seeks Solar Savings

The Phoenix Centre in Sandwich has always held a strong position on protecting the environment, we have installed water saving features, rain water storage system, our own composting facilities, using recycled and novel construction materials in the refurbishment as well as the new build, we are very ‘green’.  But we have always wanted, but never been able to afford, the installation of Solar PV (photovoltaic) panels to generate electricity for us and reduce our carbon footprint as well.

Fortunately we discovered the Postcode Local Trust Grant Scheme, after months of research and obtaining quotes, we then completed the two stage grant process.  After due deliberation by the Postcode Trust, we were fortunate enough to secure a grant of £6500 to enable us to purchase and install a 3.8kWp solar pv on the roof of Community Centre.

We knew that the solar system would significantly reduce the environmental impact of the centre, and give us a lower carbon footprint.  This system will help to keep our running costs low for years to come, ensuring the centre remains an affordable asset for the community.  Sadly we could not get the system installed before the Government withdrew the Feed in Tariff, in March of this year, so we cannot earn any income from the electricity that we feed in to the grid, but we are still saving and doing the right thing for the environment.  We have always believed that environmental sustainability can be linked to financial sustainability and these solar panels will help with achieve this.

Since commissioning in April of this year, we have avoided producing 2.1 tonnes of CO2, that saving is equivalent to the CO2 generated by return flight from Paris to New York for two adults or the same amount of CO2 as would be generated by travelling 12,000 km in an average diesel car.  The system has generated nearly 3 Mwh of electricity in eight months, that’s the equivalent of lots of 100 watt light bulbs, toasters and electric fires, but it also means lower energy bills for the Centre.

We are very happy with the system and the savings we are making, the use of solar energy gives us some security against rising electricity prices but we are really pleased because we are doing something to help address the issue of climate change for our hire groups and the wider world.  We are now working on raising the funds to enlarge the system by about 50%.

We would like to thank Postcode Local Trust for their support and the grant, Greenman Solar for fitting the system in one day and our hire groups for supporting the plan and the Centre.

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