We are very pleased that installation of the solar electric photovoltaic system on the roof of the church building has now been completed and the panels are functioning. The system consists of 24 modules, spread over the east and west facing sides of the church roof. 

The solar PV system is the legacy of Rev Melanie Reed, who recently left Beechen Cliff, having been called to be a Forces Chaplain.  Rev Melanie first suggested that the Church consider installing solar panels back in September 2008, and has pursued the project enthusiastically ever since, although it was not possible for the installation to take place before her departure for RAF Cranwell in April this year.  The Church hopes that the installation of the solar panels will encourage others to consider their own environmental impact.

50% of the installation cost has been covered by a grant from the government’s Low Carbon Building Programme.  The Church has also obtained a grant from the Methodist Church and a generous donation from Eduserv, a Bath-based charity that provides IT services to UK education and government. The Church will be fundraising to cover the remaining costs. 

In terms of carbon payback, the Church has been advised that the annual savings figure from the system will be just over 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide.