Solar Panels & Battery System for the Orpen Memorial Hall complex
Background
The Orpen Memorial Hall was on an electricity tariff that was due to end in September 2022. The replacement electricity contract would result in a 4-fold increase in the unit cost. Our task was to see how we could reduce the financial impact and improve the sustainability of the Hall.
Proposal
To install a solar panel and battery system paid for by a grant.
The Process
We were aware that our 2-year fixed rate deal would soon be ending. We, therefore, started getting system quotes and looking around for potential grant sources earlier in the year.
After some research into available grants we discovered the Essex County Council’s Climate Action Challenge Fund. Essex established this to inspire voluntary and community groups to develop projects which combat climate change. As our project met their criteria, we were able to apply for a maximum grant not exceeding £20,000.
When searching for a quotation, we were given an interesting point to consider – the proposed location of the solar panels. Usually there is little choice in where Solar Panels are fitted, but in our case the Hall Complex has a central roof valley. We established that by positioning the panels in the valley it would require only a small amount of scaffolding in comparison to the amount needed to install them on the external elevation, thus meaning a larger system could be provided for the amount spent. It also has the added advantage of providing additional protection from vandalism or damage. Although the positioning means that the panels are sometimes in winter shadow, this will only have a minor adverse effect during midwinter when little electricity is being produced anyway.
The most appropriate quote was provided by T H Electrical Ltd who supplied a quotation based on a 7.6kWp Solar PV with 14.2kWh of Energy Storage (consisting of 20 solar panels and 3 batteries) for £17,056.00 EX VAT which we used to make our application in September 2022.
We were delighted to later hear that we were successful and, along with 40 other groups and organisations, had benefitted from the Climate Action Challenge funding.
Preparation for Installation
Unsurprisingly, the Contractor had plenty of work on and were suffering from shortages of materials. By the time the work could commence, in February 2023, inflation, the need to substitute certain products and provide an electronic display panel so that visitors can see what was being generated, (as requested by Essex County Council’s Climate Action Challenge Fund) the project was going to cost an additional £2,528. As the substituted products and display panel all improved the system, it was approved by the Orpen Memorial Hall Trust that paying such an amount to receive a new system worth nearly £20,000 (payable by grants) was acceptable.
Installation
The installation was arranged to take place during the February 2023 half-term holiday whilst the halls were not in use. It commenced by erecting scaffolding to provide access to the main roof valley.
The solar panels were then installed so that the top row would not be affected by winter shadowing.
At the same time an inverter was installed adjacent to the incoming electricity supply.
The 3 batteries, totalling 15 kWh, were also wired in.
And finally, after waiting many weeks for its delivery from Germany, the electronic display panel was wired in.
Initial Impact
This solar panel and battery system works by providing an electricity supply with energy from the Sun. This supply is used within the Orpen Memorial Hall complex when electricity is required, and any excess is stored by the batteries. When the panels have insufficient power for the demand then the batteries provide additional stored electricity thus reducing the need for power from the National Grid.
Looking at the first four months, (beginning of March 2023 – end of June 2023) our National Grid use has reduced by around 1160kWh compared to the same time last year. This equates to a reduction of around 33%. We look forward to seeing what the next few months bring!