In 2024, we were approached by Pilling Village Hall to design and install a solar PV system. The enquiry came following a restoration project, where measures were taken to reduce the hall’s carbon footprint and reduce energy bills. 

Now, one year post-installation, we caught up with our client Mike O’Loughlin, Treasurer at Pilling Village Hall, to find out about the real impact of switching to solar energy.

What was your reason for installing solar PV? 

‘A couple of reasons; firstly to improve our environmental impact, and also to reduce our exposure to fluctuating energy prices over the short and long-term.’ 

How did you find the installation process? 

‘Very efficient, and the communication was great at all stages. The installation team was respectful of the hall premises and carried out the work on time and to the agreed schedules.’

What has been the main benefit of installing solar? 

‘The reduction in our ongoing energy costs. Since installation, we have saved around £2,500! 

‘In addition, we can receive payment for surplus energy exported, although payments are low compared to what we pay for imported electricity and subject to change without notice. To date we have received £1,191.24 in payment for exported electricity from Scottish Power, but their payment rate has recently dropped from 12p per kWh to 6p.  

 ‘At the point of installation, the system was predicted to generate approximately 18,374kWh per annum. In reality, it has produced almost 23,000kWh – which is fantastic and apparently the equivalent of planting 47 trees.’ 

Would you recommend solar energy to others? 

‘Yes. The installation was completed to our complete satisfaction, and the annual financial savings should see the capital outlay recovered within six to seven years, which is great to know.’ 

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to install solar PV?  

‘Ensure you use an established installer with a good track record. Thompsons Solar certainly fitted these requirements. Also, make sure you research the market for export tariffs in detail. Despite what the government says about the process, it is not always straightforward, and the power companies taking exported electricity have different qualification criteria and tariffs. You need to negotiate your import and export tariff at the same time. 

‘For commercial premises, check with your building insurance provider to ensure the specification, in particular roof load and emergency safety electricity cut-off of the solar panel installations, meets the insurance company criteria.’ 

Thanks to Mike for taking the time to share feedback on his experience of switching to solar energy.  

Here are our top three takeaways: 

• Do your research on export tariffs to make sure you get the best deal for surplus energy generated 

• Look for an experienced installation company with a good reputation  

• Check with your building insurance provider ahead of works beginning 

 If you’d like to reap the benefits of solar energy too, get in touch with our team of experts today to find out more. 

Autumn is underway and a favourite season of many – with Halloween, bonfire night, Diwali and the lead up to Christmas a few of the calendar highlights. But ‘cosy season’ also brings cooler weather and darker days – both of which can sometimes make sustainable practices fall by the wayside, amidst the temptation to crank up the heating.  

So here are our tips for making sure Autumn is a sustainable season – in the workplace, and at home! 

Energy 

• Starting off with an easy one – turn off lights when leaving a room! Wherever possible, install motion sensors to automatically turn off lights that aren’t being used.  
• Don’t leave electrical items on stand-by – turn them off. While saving only a small amount of power, every little helps.
• By using radiator thermostats and reducing the temperature on your boiler, you can reduce your energy usage and your bill. 
• If you haven’t already, look at renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. A recent study showed that solar power has been the largest source of new electricity globally for the third consecutive year!
• Consider buying power on a renewable energy tariff; some or all of the units of electricity are matched by units generated by a renewable source. 

Waste 

• Do you really need to print that document? Consider using digital versions where possible and only print when necessary. 
• Could you bring your lunch to work in a re-usable container? Making your lunch instead of buying something plastic wrapped is not only better for the planet but your pocket too! Try and plan meals where possible to reduce waste. 
• Re-use, re-purpose, recycle – think before you throw. Can you use it again? Can you use it for another purpose? If not, can it be recycled? 
• Although buying second hand isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it gives products a longer life before landfill. This goes for the home and office. If having a re-vamp, why not try up-cycled office furniture?  
• Shop smart – opt for glass or cardboard packaging over plastic where possible as they’re easier to recycle. How many of your office supplies are recyclable? 

Environment 

• Think about walking or cycling for shorter journeys. This helps the environment as well as your wellbeing! Don’t forget your wellies for the puddles! 
• Consider draught excluders to avoid having to turn up the heating. 
• Try opting for manufacturers and suppliers who use sustainably sourced materials. This could be the copy paper you purchase being FSC approved, to health and wellbeing products containing sustainably sourced palm oil. If you could help save the orangutans and their homes, why wouldn’t you?!   
• Birds find it harder to find food at this time of year. Why not leave out some fat balls or seeds to make things a little easier through them during the Winter? 

When it comes to sustainability, a few small changes can have a big impact. 

For more advice on how your business can become more sustainable all year round, get in touch with our solar experts today.