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Increasing solar PV in Ambleside
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During 2020 A to Z explored options for setting up a community renewable energy project in Ambleside, with the support of CAfS and Quantum Strategy and Technology.
Our first exercise was to identify the most effective renewable energy technology to focus on. As our previous solar PV mapping had identified the good potential for solar PV in Ambleside, and the town was not considered ideal for other technologies, such as district heating, we decided to focus on solar PV.
We approached many community buildings to gauge their interest in being part of the project and many indicated that they were. Unfortunately, none of our buildings have roofs large enough to sustain a stand-alone community-owned energy project now that the government Feed-in-Tarif subsidy has ended, so we needed to think creatively.
Instead, we have developed two parallel projects to increasing the amount of solar PV in Ambleside.
Our first exercise was to identify the most effective renewable energy technology to focus on. As our previous solar PV mapping had identified the good potential for solar PV in Ambleside, and the town was not considered ideal for other technologies, such as district heating, we decided to focus on solar PV.
We approached many community buildings to gauge their interest in being part of the project and many indicated that they were. Unfortunately, none of our buildings have roofs large enough to sustain a stand-alone community-owned energy project now that the government Feed-in-Tarif subsidy has ended, so we needed to think creatively.
Instead, we have developed two parallel projects to increasing the amount of solar PV in Ambleside.
Solar Made Easy in the Lakes
Recent government research found that barriers to people investing in solar PV for their homes include:
With the help of CAfS and Carbon Coop we have been seeking one or more trusted solar suppliers to introduce to homeowners in Ambleside. To do this, we analysed the local solar PV installer market to short list a number that are now taking part in our project. We have been looking for:
We’re also hoping to be able to offer homeowners information about potential low-cost ethical finance options to cover the up-front cost of their solar PV.
Recent government research found that barriers to people investing in solar PV for their homes include:
- Risk of things going wrong
- Finding it difficult to access information
- Perceived difficulty of the buying, installation and maintenance process
- Financing the up-front costs
- The environmental benefits
- Impact on property resale
- Feasibility in the British climate
With the help of CAfS and Carbon Coop we have been seeking one or more trusted solar suppliers to introduce to homeowners in Ambleside. To do this, we analysed the local solar PV installer market to short list a number that are now taking part in our project. We have been looking for:
- Trustworthiness – good communication, reliable, good customer service
- Quality of product
- Value for money
- Guarantees
- Good on-going maintenance service
- Capacity to deliver, particular in relation to increasing numbers of installations.
We’re also hoping to be able to offer homeowners information about potential low-cost ethical finance options to cover the up-front cost of their solar PV.
If you are interested in the project, please fill in our SURVEY or email aactionfaf@gmail.com.
We’ll be setting up a forum for those who have an expressed an interest and will be happy to provide the information you need to help you make the right decision for you.
Regarding the uncertainties of the respondents to the government survey:
We’ll be setting up a forum for those who have an expressed an interest and will be happy to provide the information you need to help you make the right decision for you.
Regarding the uncertainties of the respondents to the government survey:
- There are clear environmental benefits to installing solar PV on your home. In 2019, 45% of the electricity in the national grid was generated by fossil fuels, emitting vast quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contributing to the climate crisis. Electricity from solar PV is 100% renewable and does not emit carbon dioxide. Whilst there is huge investment in large-scale renewables to feed the grid (particularly off-shore wind), we are a way off the 100% renewable grid electricity goal. Furthermore, as the nation moves to more electric heating and electric cars, the national grid will have to reinforce the network to transmit the extra load. By generating electricity from solar PV on your roof and consuming it locally, you are relieving pressure on the grid, freeing up investment for more large-scale renewables.
- Impact on property resale. There is a wide range of estimates for the impact of solar panels on house vale. According to Solar Power Portal, research by EffectiveHome.co.uk in 2020 found that residential solar boosts house prices by an average of £30,000. At the other end of the scale a report by Solar Energy UK suggests that the boost is perhaps £1,900 - £2,700 for a typical house. The Solar Guide quotes an independent study carried out by mortgage provider ING Direct which revealed solar panels to be the most desired extra on a home for 4 in 10 people
- Feasibility in the British climate. Solar PV is feasibility in the British climate, including in Cumbria. A typical 4kW system on a roof in Cumbria can generate approximately 3000kWh of electricity per year, which is about the same as the average UK home’s electricity usage. Note though that not all of it will be usable in your home as the electricity is only generated during the day. Without a battery to store the electricity for evening use, typically about 30% of the generated electricity can be used in the home, depending on daytime activity. Battery storage might increase that to around 70%, but is a significant additional investment, that would probably only just break even over its lifetime. One to watch as battery prices continue to drop…
Solar PV on community buildings
As part of our research into the potential for a community energy project, we came across the Big Solar Coop.
The Big Solar Co-op is a new approach to subsidy-free community solar, supported by Sharenergy. They’re working across the UK to:
As a not-for-profit with carbon reduction at their heart, we decided that the Big Solar Coop was a good partner for us.
To date (time of writing July 2021), we have reviewed a long list of about 20 community buildings in Ambleside as potential sites, and of these, three have been identified as feasible for inclusion in the Big Solar Pioneer Programme. Big Solar has recently sent outline proposals to these sites, one of which has already given the go-ahead for the next stage of development.
Once we hear back about the other two sites we’ll know whether we’ll be able to proceed with the detailed design and legal agreements.
As part of our research into the potential for a community energy project, we came across the Big Solar Coop.
The Big Solar Co-op is a new approach to subsidy-free community solar, supported by Sharenergy. They’re working across the UK to:
- Make solar viable on a huge range of sites – without subsidy – through economies of scale and streamlining of processes
- Empower and support volunteers to work together to get it built
- Fight the climate crisis through large-scale, grassroots community action
As a not-for-profit with carbon reduction at their heart, we decided that the Big Solar Coop was a good partner for us.
To date (time of writing July 2021), we have reviewed a long list of about 20 community buildings in Ambleside as potential sites, and of these, three have been identified as feasible for inclusion in the Big Solar Pioneer Programme. Big Solar has recently sent outline proposals to these sites, one of which has already given the go-ahead for the next stage of development.
Once we hear back about the other two sites we’ll know whether we’ll be able to proceed with the detailed design and legal agreements.
Registered Charity Number 1188921