Solar Power

The conversation around sustainability has intensified in recent years, reflecting the urgency with which we need to address the growing climate crisis.

The Inverclyde Shed has invested in a large solar photovoltaic array and a battery system at our workshop, these power our equipment, kitchen, office, infrared heating & low energy lights. We also operate an electric van that can be charged using our panels.

Over a typical year the shed uses approximately 53.27% of the energy we produce with the remaining 46.73% exported at 15p/kWh to the national grid.

On an average day, we consume all of the energy we produce, charge our battery for powering evening activities and on the sunniest days we also export energy to the grid.

Solar energy could also be a catalyst for social change if deployed widely in our local area. It could empower community groups, through the decentralisation of energy production, enhancing energy security and contributing to the economic development:

Energy Independence

Community groups that install solar panels can produce their own electricity, reducing their reliance on the national grid. This not only leads to cost savings but also insulates them from energy price volatility. The use of mains power can be offset during the day and cheaper electricity stored during the night if batteries are installed.

Community Resilience

Solar energy enhances community resilience by ensuring that communities are less affected by external disruptions to their power supply and less reliant on other forms of revenue to cover running costs. In the event of price hikes and grid interuption, solar-powered assets can continue to operate.

Environmental Justice

Solar energy can also play a critical role in promoting environmental justice. Historically, disadvantaged communities have been disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and have had limited access to clean energy solutions. By making solar energy more accessible, using existing community assets, we can tackle this and spread a greater environmental awareness and education. This increased awareness can lead to a broader cultural shift towards more sustainable practices.

https://communityenergyscotland.org.uk/ provide valuable advice and support to community groups looking at taking their first steps into renewables.

https://localenergy.scot/ the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme has provided grants up to 80% of eligible costs for installing renewable technologies such as heat pumps, batteries, and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, along with energy efficiency measures.

https://communitysharesscotland.org.uk/ are a way for people to invest in their own communities and renewables. Members can buy shares in enterprises providing goods and services that meet their needs. In turn, the enterprise is controlled and governed by the community it serves.

We need more of this in Inverclyde if we are to achieve greater resilience, greater independence, less reliance on ongoing grants and stronger community groups.