A much-loved Totnes community building has taken a major step towards a greener, more financially resilient future – with the switch-on of 77 solar panels on the roof of Totnes Library.
Installed on The Mansion, the charity-run community hub that houses the Library and supports a wide range of local organisations, the new solar array is already generating clean electricity and helping to significantly reduce energy costs for the building.
The project was celebrated with a community thank-you event at The Mansion on at the end of January, bringing together residents, volunteers and partners who helped make the installation possible.
Cutting costs, securing the future
Like many community buildings, The Mansion has faced steeply rising energy bills in recent years – with annual costs reaching as high as £30,000.
According to trustee David Sprent, who was part of the volunteer-led “Solar Squad” that drove the project forward, installing solar panels was both a practical and urgent decision.
“For a community building like ours, energy costs at that level are a huge drain,” he explains. “Reducing those costs by around a third means we can look ahead with much more confidence and continue to provide affordable space for vital local organisations like the Totnes Bike Hub and Mend Assembly.”
Since late 2025, the panels have been quietly generating renewable electricity, helping stabilise running costs while reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
Powered by the Totnes community
What makes this project particularly special is how it was funded.
Rather than relying on grant funding, The Mansion raised £35,000 entirely from local supporters, inviting residents, community groups and institutions to sponsor individual panels and follow the project’s progress.
A hand-drawn, Blue Peter-style totaliser charted each panel as it was funded – turning the roof into a shared goal that the whole town could get behind.
“Every time another panel was sponsored, we coloured it in,” says David. “It really captured people’s imagination and made everyone feel part of something tangible. It’s been amazing to see the Totnes community come together like this.”
The project was led entirely by volunteers, many of whom donated their professional skills to ensure the installation delivered long-term value for the town.
Delivered by local solar specialists
The solar installation was delivered by Bloom Renewables, a Dartington-based renewable energy company specialising in community, commercial and domestic solar systems.
Working closely with The Mansion team and volunteers, Bloom installed a 34.65 kWp system made up of 77 panels, expected to generate around 34,362 kWh of clean electricity every year.
“For buildings with high energy use and plenty of roof space, solar is a no-brainer,” says Harry Williams from Bloom Renewables. “Payback is usually within just a few years, and the panels are designed to last for decades. It’s been a pleasure working on a genuine Totnes community asset.”
Celebrating the people behind the panels
As part of the January celebration, The Mansion unveiled a unique community artwork created by its in-house pottery collective, led by Georgi Makes of Studio 2 Pottery.
The installation features handmade ceramic tiles, each recognising a panel sponsor who donated £450 or more. The tiles will be permanently displayed in the Library foyer – a lasting reminder of the people who helped power the project.
“We’re absolutely delighted with how everything has turned out,” says David. “Bloom were fantastic to work with, the volunteers were incredible – and now we’ve got 77 panels on the roof. That’s one more than the Civic Hall. A Totnes record!”
About The Mansion
The Mansion is a charity-run community hub in the heart of Totnes. It houses Totnes Library alongside a wide range of local organisations, social enterprises and community services, providing affordable space focused on education, wellbeing, sustainability and community life.