Update April 2023
Our goals continue to focus on reducing energy costs and CO2 emissions while raising funds for the community.
Community Solar, Battery, and EV Charger Purchase Scheme
So far, 130 homes have expressed interest, with 73 requesting quotes. The current status is as follows:
- 17 homes awaiting quotes
- 29 homes have received quotes and are considering whether to place an order or decline
- 11 homes have placed orders
- 8 homes deemed non-viable for solar or battery installation
- 8 homes not viable for solar, awaiting battery-only quotes
We added information at the bottom of the FAQ section of the community scheme page covering:
- SSEN permission
- VAT on batteries
- Projected saving modelling
- Battery only option
- EV charger option
- EV charger trenching
- LME grass parking
- External enclosures
- Planning permissions
- Smart Meter solution for homes with poor mobile coverage
- Sundeck and metal-roofed homes
(See the bottom of the scheme page for the FAQ updates)
Community Heating
We are exploring two options to transition homes away from oil and gas heating: 1) a community air source heat pump purchase scheme similar to the solar scheme, or 2) a community heat network. A feasibility study from Kensa on the heat network concluded that it would not be financially viable without substantial government funding. Although the CDC is supportive, securing such funding seems unlikely. Heat networks are most effective in areas with businesses that produce significant waste heat, such as factories and data centres, which do not apply to our community. We have begun discussions with Cotswold Energy about a community air source heat pump scheme and will conduct a competitive comparison.
Community Solar Farm
The feasibility study conducted by Locogen, utilizing ~£10K of the ~£18K raised, identified 13 potential solar farm locations within our primary transformer area. This enables the possibility of using the Energy Local model to reduce energy costs for homes. We have initiated discussions with landowners and will submit budgetary connection requests to SSEN to assess detailed viability and estimated connection costs. Once we secure a contract with a landowner, we will pay for a formal connection offer by SSEN and raise funds for full planning permission.
Please note that this process may take some time, as Locogen’s findings indicate that the national grid connection in our area is saturated until a major upgrade in 2028, barring any increase in capacity due to an upcoming OFGEM rule change. We will continue to work on securing contracts and raising funds in parallel to ensure the project proceeds as quickly as possible.
The report examines potential solar farm sizes ranging from 1MW to 5MW (with each MW occupying approximately 5 acres) and includes a comprehensive business model. Larger scales yield greater profits, which would be reinvested into the community. The solar farm could power 1,000-3,000 homes and save at least 1,000 tons of CO2 per year.
Community Expansion
We are delighted to welcome our neighbours from the villages of Kemble and Ewen, who have joined the initiative. A community launch event was held in the village hall on April 14th. This partnership has led to an increase in community energy champions and will allow residents from these villages to participate in our group purchase scheme for solar and, in the future, heating systems. Collaborating on the community solar farm project and taking advantage of improved volume discounts should benefit everyone involved.