The Kenilworth Centre
Location: Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Sector: Community Centre
Technology: Solar PV
System Size: 48.72 kWp
Project Overview
The Kenilworth Community Centre has long been a vital hub for local residents, offering a space for social gatherings, educational workshops, and recreational activities. However, rising energy costs and environmental concerns prompted the centre’s management to explore renewable energy solutions. They sought an energy optimisation proposal that would improve efficiency, lower costs, and reinforce their commitment to sustainability. The project included a retrofit solar PV system, insulation upgrades, and the installation of low-energy LED lighting to reduce grid dependence and carbon emissions. The new solar PV system now generates 100% renewable energy for use on-site, significantly cutting energy bills and reducing reliance on the grid.
Services Provided
- Feasibility study: including detailed technical design and financial forecasting
- Full supply, installation, commissioning, and testing
- Online monitoring portal configuration
- Full handover: including MCS registration, G99 grid connection, operation and maintenance pack
System Details
- Panels Installed: 83 across 4 roof pitches
- Total Solar PV Installed: 48.72 kWp at roof level
- Inverters: 30 kW of SolarEdge Inverters
- Battery System: 9.2 kW SolarEdge battery
4.1 Years
Payback Period
362%
Return on Investment
£9,600.93
Year 1 Energy Cost Saving
38%
Total Solar Energy Contribution
39.26 MWh
Estimated Annual Energy Generation
7.59 tonnes
Annual Carbon Savings
349
Equivalent Trees Planted Annually
Challenges and Solutions
The Kenilworth Centre is an active community hub, regularly hosting youth groups and large gatherings. The key challenge was ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. Strong project management, phased installation, and strategic scheduling during off-peak hours enabled smooth execution with minimal interference. Additionally, careful planning optimised panel placement for maximum energy generation across all four roof aspects.
Community Impact
The solar installation has delivered multiple benefits to the Kenilworth Community Centre and the surrounding area:
- Financial Savings: The centre has reduced its electricity bills significantly, allowing more funds to be directed toward community programs.
- Environmental Contribution: The carbon savings are equivalent to planting over 349 trees annually, reducing the community’s carbon footprint.
- Energy Independence: By generating its own clean energy, the centre is less reliant on the national grid, ensuring greater resilience in times of energy price fluctuations.
“Our experience working with Eco Providers has been excellent from start to finish.”
Sarah McCaffrey – Joint Centre Manager
Conclusion
The Kenilworth Community Centre’s solar project stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. It demonstrates how community-driven renewable energy solutions can foster financial savings and environmental benefits. By harnessing the power of the sun, Kenilworth is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also paving the way for a greener future.
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