Community Energy
Energy efficiency advice surgeries
The Energy Advice Surgeries provide 121 support on the following:
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How to undertake a DIY energy audit
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Reviewing tour energy audit findings and recommendations for action
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Specific energy saving measures such as insulation, replacement lighting or heating systems
You can ask for a one hour session with Robert Horn
The Fundraising Surgeries provide 121 advice on the following:
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Identifying the appropriate funding sources for energy related projects
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Ensuring you are funding ready and demonstrating clear evidence of need
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Objective review of existing fundraising bids you are working on before submission
You can ask for a one hour session with Kate Burrough
Renewable Energy Schemes in South Somerset
The Community Council for Somerset (CCS) are running a series of online advice surgeries for any hall committees looking for support to either save energy within their building or advise on how to fundraise for energy-saving improvements.
A 14K Solar Panel system will save approx 1.5 Tonnes carbon per year* - bigger systems and large Commercial Systems will save more - do your bit to become carbon neutral sooner.
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South Somerset Solar Streets
Solar Streets is a community discount scheme for solar PV installations. This was delivered by IDDEA renewable energy systems installing quality lower cost solar PV installations to homes and communities across South Somerset.
The Solar Streets project provided a large discount on a 4.0kWp (kilowatt peak) 12 Panel Solar system. Other systems with discounts were also available, including other options like battery storage.
For every domestic solar installation Solar Streets paid £50 into the Community Fund and a minimum of £100 for a Commercial Installation to be used to help Your Community better afford Green Projects.
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Solar Streets Installations in Bruton and Castle Cary
January 2021 saw the first installations of solar PV panels under the Solar Streets BrutonCaryPlus scheme in Bruton and Castle Cary. Bruton’s first installation included a battery which enables the residents to use a greater proportion of the electricity generated by the solar PV panels.
Solar Streets BrutonCaryPlus was a scheme where residents and businesses in Bruton, Castle Cary and the surrounding area, up to five miles away, could buy discounted solar PV and generate clean electricity, cut carbon emissions and have lower bills. For each installation, a donation was made towards local environmental projects. Solar Streets BrutonCaryPlus was a partnership between PV installers IDDEA, sales and marketing organisation The Green Group, Bruton Town Council, Castle Cary Town Council and One Planet Bruton community group.
The installers, IDDEA, have completed over 800 PV installations across the south west and more than 100 installations under the Solar Streets scheme in Frome and other towns. One Planet Bruton has helped to bring it to Bruton and the surrounding area.
Other Solar Streets schemes in South Somerset include Milborne Port and Sherborne, Somerton and Ham Hill plus schemes.
The IDDEA Scheme has now finished.
South Somerset Community Energy
South Somerset Community Energy (SSCES) is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society, whose aims are to reduce carbon emissions and fuel bills, especially for those in fuel poverty, throughout South Somerset.
SSCES fund and manage renewable energy installations in the district of South Somerset, starting with installing solar PV systems on schools, community buildings, businesses and private homes. Their pilot projects are in Yeovil, including fitting solar PV systems to Westfield Academy and Abbey Community Association's hall and these are now generating electricity.
Click here for the the latest government guidance on community benefits & engagement for onshore wind farms.
Lendology - Energy Efficiency Loans
SSDC are partnered with Lendology, an FCA regulated financial services company based in Taunton, Somerset, to offer energy efficiency and renewable energy loans to local residents.
From improving energy efficiency, installing renewable energy technologies, household retrofit projects and supporting landlords to meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, Lendology are able to provide a loan that can meet your requirements.
Making your home energy efficient will not only reduce your bills and save you money, but it is also good for the planet. An energy efficient home can lower your carbon footprint, reduce heat loss and potentially increase the value of your home. Renewable energy is one part of the solution but making smaller energy improvements to your home can also create a big difference.
For more details, click here.
Community Energy England
To find other local community energy groups and examples of community energy projects see the Community Energy England website.
They have produce a list of community energy funding opportunities here.
