Church sees the light

20 June 2012

Save Energy Group has installed solar photovoltaic panels for Broadstone Methodist Church. The installation is designed to secure the future energy needs of the church and its congregation – as well as its financial future.

Like so many church buildingstoday, Broadstone Methodist Church makes good use of every square metre for the good of its community, which results in the need to heat different sections of the building at varying times. With the added cost of running two kitchens, the electricity bill had reached a colossal £3,500 in 2011 and represented an unsustainable impact on the budget. Especially given that energy prices have risen by an average of 7.5% year on year for the last ten years.

Although the committee knew very little about renewable energy and how it could benefit them, they were smart enough to realise that it was an option worth considering. John Greenaway, Senior Church Steward told us. “Our church committee has very real concerns about our impact on the environment and this was certainly in our minds when we embarked on research into renewable energy alternatives to our high energy bills. Our Church Officers looked into the Save Energy Group as ourlocal supplier, and to make absolutely certain of our choice they talked to three companies in all. Our Resources and Operations Committee then recommended to the Church Council that Save Energy were the right fit for us. These recommendations were also supported by numerous testimonials on their website and on checkatrade.com.“

Save Energy Group’s Commercial Director, Mike Davies explains. “We took the committee through the planning stages, which is included in the price of the installation. However, if you are considering cutting your energy bills too you will be pleased to learn that planning regulations have now relaxed and permission may no longer be required. It is gratifying to know that the community in which we live continues to benefit from renewable energy solutions and it was a pleasure working with the team at Broadstone Methodist Church.”

John Greenaway added. “The installation process proceeded according to plan, the team were wonderful and all you could hope for in terms of efficiency and in helping us to understand the systems once it was installed. We are expected to generate 8000 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, this will mean a £500 reduction in our energy bills over the year and a feed in tariff (FiT) income of £3,000 per year over twenty five years. We no longer need to setaside budget for electricity every year, money that can now be spent on what is important for our community.”