Here’s a community energy idea … A local Community Power Hub will prepare a business case for using roof spaces to install solar panels and batteries to power a local not-for-profit organisation’s HVAC system, irrigation pumps, lighting and, potentially, grounds maintenance machinery such as all – terrain vehicles, mowers and earth moving machinery. This will complement the organisation’s forthcoming strategic plan in which the emphasis will be on sustainable management practices. The project aims to identify the optimal PV and storage infrastructure to reduce dependency on mains electricity, as well as examine the most appropriate funding mechanism such as a limited shareholding vehicle, loans, grants or donations. All business efficiency gains will be returned to the community through reduced product costs and increased maintenance levels. The environmental benefits will include reduced centralised energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
