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Solar Panels

The Benefits of Installing Solar Panels

For parish and town councils, village hall committees, and other community building managers, keeping costs down while improving sustainability is a constant challenge. Installing solar panels is one of the most practical, cost‑effective, and future‑proof ways to achieve both.

1. Lower Energy Bills and Long-Term Savings

Community buildings often face high energy costs due to heating, lighting, and regular events. Solar panels reduce dependence on grid electricity, cutting monthly bills.

Case studies: The Kenilworth Community Centre, Shottery Memorial Hall, Tysoe Village Hall, Stockton Village Hall, Earlswood Village Hall

2. Protection from Rising Energy Prices

Energy prices are volatile and have risen sharply in recent years. Generating your own electricity provides price stability, shielding community budgets from future price hikes and improving financial predictability.

3. Access to Grants and Incentives

Local authority funds, foundations and grants, and frameworks such as ESPO make procurement easier and reduce costs. Parish and town councils can also access preferential loan rates through the Public Works Loan Board to fund installations at low interest. A list of grants available can be found below, as well as in the grants available tab.

4. Improved Sustainability and Reputation

Going solar demonstrates leadership on climate action and supports local and national net‑zero targets.

5. Low Maintenance and Long Lifespan

Modern solar panels last 25–30 years and require minimal maintenance. Establishing an operation and maintenance contract ensures consistent generation and predictable performance.

4 step plan to install solar panels

Step One – Start with an Energy Audit

Before committing to solar, it’s essential to understand your building’s current energy use and identify the most effective measures.

Options include:

  • Utility Aid
  • Professional Energy Audit: Act on Energy offers free Energy Bill Health Checks for non-profit organisations.
  • DIY Energy Survey: The Centre for Sustainable Energy provides a step-by-step guide to assess heating, lighting, insulation, and equipment efficiency. This checklist can form the basis of a carbon reduction plan and help prioritise actions — from no-cost behaviour changes to major investments like solar panels.
  • The Solar Wizard tool gives a comprehensive review of your building’s suitability for solar panels, and gives estimates for total costs, energy production and payback periods.

Step Two – Key Considerations Before Installation

  • Energy Usage & Savings: Analyse current energy consumption patterns, estimate savings, consider ROI and payback period (3–7 years).
  • Roof/Property Suitability: Check available roof or ground space, structural integrity, and sun exposure.
  • Regulations & Incentives: Investigate grants and rebates, ensure compliance with building codes, and check net metering policies.
  • Upfront Costs & Financing: Compare purchase, lease, PPA, and loan options. Factor in total system and maintenance costs.
  • Reputation of Installers: Vet experience, certifications, references, and warranty terms.
  • Scalability & Future Expansion: Plan for battery storage, EV charging, or adding more panels.
  • Environmental and PR Impact: Quantify emissions reduction, leverage project for branding and ESG requirements from funders.

Considering Battery Storage installation alongside solar panels

A battery storage unit can be a major compliment to a solar panel installation project. It minimises reliance on the grid as solar energy can be stored for use when there is limited or no sunlight (at night or during cloudy periods), ensuring energy is always available to use. As this maximises the amount of solar energy that your building can harness, it will also reduce your energy bills further than solar panels alone.

Here are some key considerations to make before deciding on making a battery storage installation:

  • How much electricity do you use per day, and what time(s) of day is it used the most? If the majority of energy is used in the late afternoon/evening, or in the autumn/winter months, then battery storage would be suitable.
  • How much excess electricity are the solar panels producing/are projected to produce that would not be used immediately? This will determine the suitability of an installation, and the size of the battery required. Further guidance on this can be found here:
  • Are you adding storage to an existing system (retrofit) or installing both at once?
  • Following on from this: is the current inverter compatible, or will a hybrid converter be required? This will require a conversation between the solar and potential battery installers, if they are separate suppliers.
  • A calculation will need to be made to determine the approximate payback period of a potential battery. This could be calculated based on current energy usage, and how much excess energy that your solar panels produce/are projected to produce throughout the year that can be captured by the battery.

Why Accreditation Matters: MCS Certification

When choosing an installer, always ensure they are MCS-certified.

What is MCS?

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) is a UK quality assurance scheme that certifies renewable energy products and installers, ensuring they meet high standards of performance and safety.

Why it matters:

  • Guarantees that your system is designed and installed to a high standard
  • Ensures eligibility for funding schemes, grants, and export tariffs
  • Provides consumer protection, including access to a complaints process and workmanship warranty
  • Helps maximise system efficiency and longevity by using tested equipment and best practices

To find an accredited installer, use the official MCS installer search tool to find certified installers in your area.

Step Three – Funding for project costs:

Funding opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Sports clubs can apply to their NGBs (see ECB) and to Sport England for climate resilience

Village Halls may have grants available through ACRE, contact the Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) for more information about the support available.

Parish and Town Councils may also be able to offer financial assistance

Solar soft loans are an alternative option to grant funding. More information can be found here: Solar Soft Loans | Heart of England CE.

A more comprehensive list of funding opportunities can be found in the grants available tab. You can also keep up to date on new funding opportunities with the LCEP Newsletter, as well as the IDOX CAVA Grant Finder.

You can sign up for the LCEP newsletter here.

Step Four – Engage with the wider community

Use every opportunity to communicate the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency. As a community facility, you are a trusted messenger to help residents navigate the maze.

Can you create a case study? Signage? Explainers or information boards?  Hold a solar panel event with your installer?

Quick Checklist for Committees

  • Have we carried out an energy audit or DIY survey to identify all savings opportunities?
  • Are our annual energy bills high enough that savings will make a difference?
  • Do we have a suitable roof or land area (unshaded, south-facing if possible)?
  • Have we explored available grants or loans (e.g. PWLB)?
  • Have we considered ROI, payback period, and future energy needs?
  • Are we insisting on MCS-certified products and installers?
  • Do we have community or council support for the project?
  • Have we consulted a reputable supplier or used a trusted procurement framework/DPS?
  • Do we have a plan for maintenance, monitoring performance, and possible future expansion?
  • Have we maximised all opportunities to engage users of the building to communicate the benefits of solar installation and energy efficiency?

By taking these steps, parish and town councils can reduce energy costs, protect themselves from price volatility, and contribute to net‑zero goals — while creating a visible legacy project for their community.

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