Solar Gain for Community Centre
1st July 2011
The 10 kilo Watt peak (kWp) system was fitted earlier this week, just in time to capture the extra hours of sunlight throughout the summer. It will complement Meadow Well's already impressive collection of renewable technologies and has the potential to reduce the Centre's annual energy bills by a further £900.
The system was specified and installed by Our Generation - a company which has helped to make solar power more accessible for homeowners, businesses and schools nationwide. Under normal circumstances, customers would agree to reduced rate electricity payments, without having to pay anything for the initial installation or maintenance. But, thanks to the Government funding, Our Generation has been able to make an exception for Meadow Well, where they will not have to pay a single penny for the system or the power it generates.
Mr David Bell of Meadow Well, said: "With the addition of new solar panels, the Centre will be kept on course towards minimising its carbon footprint, as well as the benefit in savings for our charity."
The new solar addition will boost a smaller 2kWp system already installed and is the next step along the path to Meadow Well becoming known as a centre of excellence for green technology.
Ian Goodwin, Our Generation Director, added: "Meadow Well Community Centre, or Terra Nostra as it's known, should be admired for the approach it is taking towards renewable technology. We were only too happy to provide a service for the good of the community which will help more people to understand the benefits of green solutions."
Working with installation partners, Mark Group, Our Generation had the system up and running within just three days and before long, the Centre will see its energy bills start to fall - up to an estimated 10 per cent.
"When we install solar systems we always encourage our customers to try and rethink how they use energy. This includes trying to be less wasteful, as well as using household appliances during the day when they can take their power directly from the sun. By making a few simple changes, dramatic results can be achieved and we have no doubt that Meadow Well will make the most of their system," concluded Ian.