Community solar panel projects
Community solar projects provide sustainable and cost-effective electricity to power schools, care homes, village halls and other community buildings.
Supporting communities to thrive in uncertain times
Community energy: solar panels for schools, care homes, and other community buildings
Part of Bloom’s mission is to create clean energy resilient communities. Community energy projects, particularly those involving solar panels, provide a sustainable and cost-effective way to power schools, care homes and other community buildings. These projects harness the power of the sun to generate clean electricity, reduce energy costs and promote environmental stewardship within the community.
Benefits of Community Solar Projects
Generating electricity on-site can significantly lower energy expenses for community buildings. There are a number of local council grant incentives that small businesses and community projects can access to help them decarbonise plus tax incentives that can help offset the initial costs of solar panel installation. Solar systems offer a long lifespan and can provide consistent energy savings for decades.
Environmental and Educational Impact
Many communities are banding together to create a collective approach to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Schools can use solar panel installations as educational tools to teach students about renewable energy and sustainability. Involving the whole community in renewable energy projects fosters a sense of participation and awareness and a way to collectively combat the climate crisis.
Energy Resilience
Having community clean energy generation reduces dependency on corporate energy suppliers and protects against rising energy costs. Solar panel systems with solar battery storage can provide backup power during outages.
“2 years ago we had 10 PV panels from Bloom Renewables. This was a complex installation as the panels were put on a frame in a field about 100 yards from the house. It has been a very successful installation. Thank you”
Steps to implementing a community solar panel system
Every system we design is bespoke and made specifically for each community. We take into account factors including current energy usage, orientation, shading from other properties or trees, and the limits set by the DNO (District Network Operator).
1. Initial Assessment
We audit your current energy usage using the half hourly data provided by your energy company which informs us about the type and size of system you will need. We’ll also do a site visit to incorporate information such as condition of the roof, available space, position of the meter and structural integrity.
2. Design & Planning
Our bespoke software allows us to model a system that exactly fits the needs of our clients. We’ll be able to calculate the total cost, estimate the return on investment and discuss payback periods. We can also advise on financing options.
3. Permitting & Approvals
We’ll work with the DNO to get the relevant approvals for installation and metering agreements. We can also help assist with any planning permissions needed for your community solar panel system.
4. Installation
We have over 20 years’ experience installing solar PV, and our depth of experience with community solar covers most situations. This ensures the quality, integrity and efficiency for your solar panel installation. Once installed, we will verify the system’s performance and safety and ensure provide ongoing advice, training and customer care as needed.
5. Customer Care
We pride ourselves on providing excellent service and are here to support all customers at all phases of the installation, including once it’s complete. We offer an annual maintenance inspection and a five-year full inspection and service contract.
Case studies for community solar
The Woolwell Centre
Location Plymouth Install Date September 2024Summary The Woolwell Centre – A vibrant community hub focused on connection and enrichment. The centre has 'sky rocketing utility bills' and wanted to modernise the building. Installation Tiger Neo N-type 60HL4-(V) 460-480...
St Mary’s Parish Centre
Location Kingskerswell Install Date Jan 2023Summary Kingskerswell St Mary’s Parish Centre runs all sorts of enrichment activities for their community. They were keen to reduce their energy bills to make this vibrant community centre more sustainable. A large roof was...
The Apricot Centre
Location Dartington Install Date Oct 2022Summary The Apricot Centre is a sustainable diverse farm and wellbeing centre. High energy use due to refrigeration and a move to using electric vehicles for deliveries increase their bills and their electricity supplier...