Chase Community Solar, in partnership with Cannock Chase Council and Beat the Cold, have been successful in securing over £250,000 to deliver a Smart Solar project in the District. The project is being funded through the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme via the Energy Savings Trust www.energyredress.org.uk
The project will see 75 batteries installed in council properties which have the Society’s panels on their roofs. Batteries will enable the tenants to store the energy from the panels, helping them to use of more of the free solar energy.
Mike Kinghan, Chair of Chase Community Solar, said: “CCS is very pleased to be able to offer 75 tenants with solar PV the opportunity to have batteries installed with this grant. This will enable them to store solar power that would otherwise simply go into the grid so they can use it when they need it and save money.”
In order to optimise the impact of the batteries, an experienced team at Beat the Cold, a leading fuel poverty charity operative in Staffordshire, will deliver tailored energy advice and education with regard to energy efficiency and energy tariffs to provide tenants with confidence and to increase their energy understanding.
Martin Peake from Beat the Cold said: “We are really excited to be working on such an innovative project. Renewable energy and storage, is going to be a big part of the countries push to net zero, and we want to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance to be part of that revolution. What we learn here will support others for years to come. This is a fantastic opportunity for these residents.”
Council tenants that have CCS’s panels will receive a letter in the next couple of weeks with more information and how they can apply to be part of this project. There is limited availability as currently there is only funding for 75 batteries and there are 311 properties across the District with the panels.