Tittleshall Village Hall solar panels set to halve energy bill

Tittleshall Village Hall in Norfolk is now being powered by solar electricity thanks to a new roof mounted solar system, donated by Solarcentury. The Hall also received a £2,000 donation from Breckland Council and £2,000 from the Love Norfolk fund which the Hall Committee used to reinforce the Hall roof in preparation for the solar system.The first electricity generation figures received since twelve solar PV panels were installed in February 2016 suggest that the Hall will consume 40% less energy in the coming year because solar electricity is offsetting the need for grid energy. This will help to lower its energy bill.

The Hall is also earning an income via the feed-in-tariff, a government subsidy, for energy generated and sold to the grid. The saving and the income combined mean the Hall will halve its total energy spend for the year, thanks to the new solar panels.Tim Rose, Sales Director Europe at Solarcentury commented, “Donating this solar system for the Village Hall is in line with our mission: to make solar accessible for all. Now, people visiting the Hall can learn about solar energy by seeing for themselves the panels on the roof, and knowing that things like the kettle and the lights are being powered by solar electricity during daylight hours. As well as cutting carbon, the solar system will also save the Hall a considerable amount of money, which can be re-invested in the Hall.”

Lynda Turner, Breckland Council Executive Member for Place said “I am pleased that we have been able to support the efforts of this hard-working committee. Breckland is committed to supporting its local communities and the new solar system will help safeguard an important community resource for the village.”The Hall hosts a range of celebrations and activities, and provides an affordable meeting place for groups such as a local choir, a camera club, and yoga and art groups. With solar panels on the roof, local people can now also see solar in action, and improve their understanding of how solar panels generate electricity.

Wendy Seale, Chairperson of the Tittleshall Village Hall Management Committee said “The Village Hall is an important space for our community. The installation of solar panels will significantly reduce our heating costs, and also generate an income, helping to make the Hall financially sustainable, and a resource for current and future generations.”