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A step closer to vision of solar-energised town

Great news for Energise Sussex Coast (ESC) – the local independent not-for-profit organization that helps people to reduce their energy bills, be more energy efficient, reduce fuel poverty and increase the use of clean renewables – who have won £2,500 from Brighton Energy Co-op (BEC). Zelly Restorick writes.

The money will be invested in ESC’s plan to install solar panels on four roofs in Ore: Downs Farm Community Centre, Broomgrove Community Centre, Bridge Community Centre and Christ Church.

Also, in collaboration with Brighton Energy Co-op, Energise Sussex Coast have signed an agreement to co-develop solar projects in the 1066 region, before the solar feed-in tariff is due to end in 2019.

ESC seeks local roofs for solar

Brighton Energy Co-op have a great track record for community owned solar in Brighton – and ESC are now looking for local sites with roofs that offer solar potential ie factory roofs, schools, churches, etc. If you know of a site, please connect with ESC via emailing kate@energisesussexcoast.co.uk.

1066 Local Energy

Solar investors sought

ESC’s long term goal is for Hastings to generate its own clean renewable energy, where the financial profit remains within the local community rather than being directed outside of the local area into the hands of the major energy companies.

The 1066 Local Energy project will focus on large solar projects (600m of roof), where local investors can expect to get a return for their shares of 4-5%. Their target is to raise £1.066 million and install 1.066 megawatts of solar electricity or 1066 solar roofs. If you would like to find out more about becoming an investor in the scheme, please contact kate@energisesussexcoast.co.uk.

The Ore Solar Valley Share Scheme

The Ore Solar Valley Share Scheme is smaller and will focus on putting solar panels on community buildings and local churches in Ore – starting with Broomgrove Community Centre: shares in this are only going to be £25 each with a target of raising £50,000.

Alongside these smaller projects the BEC fund will help catalyse a whole range of larger projects that Energise Sussex Coast have been developing over many years –including several schools in Hastings & Bexhill that have already got panels but don’t have battery storage yet as a way to make the panels more effective.

For more information about any of these projects, check out ESC’s website.

This article was first published in Hastings Independent Press.

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