Solar installation helps community hall make carbon and financial savings

In 2024, Thompsons Solar was approached by Pilling Village Hall to design and install a solar PV system. The enquiry came following a restoration project, where measures were taken to reduce the hall’s carbon footprint and reduce energy bills. 

Now, one year post-installation, we caught up with our client Mike O’Loughlin, Treasurer at Pilling Village Hall, to find out about the real impact of switching to solar energy.

What was your reason for installing solar PV? 

‘A couple of reasons; firstly to improve our environmental impact, and also to reduce our exposure to fluctuating energy prices over the short and long-term.’ 

How did you find the installation process? 

‘Very efficient, and the communication was great at all stages. The installation team was respectful of the hall premises and carried out the work on time and to the agreed schedules.’

What has been the main benefit of installing solar? 

‘The reduction in our ongoing energy costs. Since installation, we have saved around £2,500! 

‘In addition, we can receive payment for surplus energy exported, although payments are low compared to what we pay for imported electricity and subject to change without notice. To date we have received £1,191.24 in payment for exported electricity from Scottish Power, but their payment rate has recently dropped from 12p per kWh to 6p.  

‘At the point of installation, the system was predicted to generate approximately 18,374kWh per annum. In reality, it has produced almost 23,000kWh – which is fantastic and apparently the equivalent of planting 47 trees.’ 

Would you recommend solar energy to others? 

‘Yes. The installation was completed to our complete satisfaction, and the annual financial savings should see the capital outlay recovered within six to seven years, which is great to know.’ 

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to install solar PV?  

‘Ensure you use an established installer with a good track record. Thompsons Solar certainly fitted these requirements. Also, make sure you research the market for export tariffs in detail. Despite what the government says about the process, it is not always straightforward, and the power companies taking exported electricity have different qualification criteria and tariffs. You need to negotiate your import and export tariff at the same time. 

‘For commercial premises, check with your building insurance provider to ensure the specification, in particular roof load and emergency safety electricity cut-off of the solar panel installations, meets the insurance company criteria.’ 

Thanks to Mike for taking the time to share feedback on his experience of switching to solar energy.  

Here are our top three takeaways: 

• Do your research on export tariffs to make sure you get the best deal for surplus energy generated 
• Look for an experienced installation company with a good reputation
•  Check with your building insurance provider ahead of works beginning 

If you’d like to reap the benefits of solar energy too, get in touch with our team of experts today to find out more.