Our projects
Rooftop solar
We have supported the installation of two rooftop solar arrays:
57kWp on Twiggs Stores in Matlock, in partnership with Big Solar Co-op
200kWp on Lady Manners School in Bakewell, in partnership with Solar for Schools.
Read more about them in our history timeline. You can also find articles in the Derbyshire Times about Twiggs and Lady Manners.
These installations are collectively saving 37 tons of emissions per year ~ reducing the carbon footprint of the county, building energy security and educating the next generation about renewable power. But, of course, there are many more rooftops with solar potential in the Derbyshire Dales! We have a pipeline of projects including businesses, community buildings and industrial sites. We are assessing the technical requirements and liaising with owners and offtakers to determine which of these we can take to the next stage – when we will create a robust technical & business case and secure funding.
If you’re interested in getting solar on your workplace, please get in touch!
Warmer Homes
Our Warmer Homes project aims to inform and inspire local homeowners, with practical advice on powering down and powering up! In collaboration with Marches Energy Advice and Pluggy, we curate informative evenings of talks and presentations to help locals understand energy efficiency measures, retrofitting and renewable energy options in their homes.
Previous participants say:
“[There were] fascinating talks from local homeowners... Their honesty in sharing both successes and challenges was hugely appreciated, and I certainly came away with plenty of insight into what to prioritise and what to avoid.”
“A key takeaway...was that you don’t need to aim for perfection when retrofitting or invest in every possible measure—making even a few targeted changes can have a significant impact.”
Want to host a Warmer Homes workshop in your village? Contact us.
Community Energy Derbyshire
We are proud to coordinate Community Energy Derbyshire – a network to support the growth of community energy in the county. Together with the 21 regional groups exploring community energy solutions, we share knowledge and skills, troubleshoot problems, and create collaborative projects that address the needs of the sector. We’re supported by Community Energy Pathways to deliver this initiative. Learn more.
Solar car parks
We’re currently building on the findings generated by our Phase 1 feasibility study: exploring more sites, mapping technical specifications and contacting car park owners and potential offtakers. When we have a shortlist of sites, we will apply for Phase 2 funding to develop the technical and business plans that will subsequently enable us to begin fundraising.
We’re excited by the possibilities that this project opens up. Solar car parks will help tackle climate change by providing low-carbon power to buildings and EV chargers. They make good use of areas which are already urban, rather than converting wild or agricultural land to solar arrays. And through the community-owned model, we can support local businesses by offering them reduced-price electricity, and pour all the profits into a fund for community benefit.
There are numerous hurdles to overcome, particularly regarding finances and the national grid infrastructure; however, we are working hard to find a viable solution that would unlock our capacity to provide community-owned solar car parks in the UK. Grand Union Community Energy are also undertaking supportive research –
check it out!
Bakewell Golf Club
We are assessing the findings from our Phase 1 CEF-funded feasibility study to determine whether it is worthwhile to progress to a Phase 2 study. There is good potential for generating electricity via solar power; however, there are some concerns over the ground stability for a land-mounted array, and some significant grid connection upgrades would be required. The system would generate more electricity than the Golf Club needs, so we’d instigate virtual Power Purchase Agreements with local offtakers. We are exploring our options around this project – watch this space…
As we expand our membership, we are keen to develop further community energy projects in the area and are always glad to hear from individuals or groups who would like to explore new ideas.