With wildfires raging across much of Europe and temperature records seemingly being broken on a weekly basis, it has been argued that we must consider the benefits of solar power a lot more seriously. One church in Newcastle has done this, and this is how they did it.
West End United Reformed Church
West End URC’s journey to solar power began when their minister, Ryan Sirmons, told them about an energy efficiency project funded by the government and administered by Newcastle City Council. A form was duly submitted, and they were told they were eligible.
The project, known as BEST (Business Energy Support Team), offers various support services. West End decided they wanted an energy audit to see how they could make the church more eco-friendly, while also saving money, and this was carried out on behalf of BEST by Align Property Partners of Northallerton.
An engineer came round to do a survey of the church while church members supplied additional information, and then Align Property were able to send them a detailed decarbonisation plan.
This gave West End URC an overview of a number of options they could go forward with, so that they could have more efficient energy use and reduce their carbon emissions. After some discussion, it was decided that solar panels would be cost-efficient, and two of the Elders at the church agreed to take the matter further. One of them already had solar panels on their property, but they still had to gain advice from BEST and Align Property, who advised them and put together a tender to local solar companies which was made available by BEST. The church then received four quotes, and BEST also made a grant offer of 45% of the total cost. West End URC then needed permission of the Synod Trust when making an application to Synod, as they were making changes to the outward appearance of the building. This request was duly granted.
Obstacles and positive experiences
The journey in itself took two years. This included some quite long waiting times, but the church was involved in all decisions, and the church members were positive about what was happening. In the end, it took eight months between a decision to have solar panels being made and the installation taking place.
The church was advised about the PV installation and its technical requirements. They had to make a decision on battery storage, and they chose to have such a thing so that power can be saved when it’s dark outside.
Results
Electricity began to be generated immediately from the panels, and a lot of the requirements of the church are now provided through this means. They can track electricity usage, generation, and storage through an app, and the bills are much lower; they’ve even been able to start selling electricity back to the grid. While it may take a few years to recoup the cost of the panels, they are expected to last as much as 25 years.
Consequently, West End are very happy with their panels, saving 50% of what they were spending on energy the year before. West End URC have been able to save money while also having energy which is far more environmentally friendly.
- This story originally came from a short paper written by Anne and Helen at West End URC in Newcastle, and my thanks go to them. I also asked them a few questions about the work they and others had done to get the solar panels installed.
- What were the reasons behind the installation of the panels?
- Various factors played a part – things seemed to come together at the right time. A combination of the availability of grants, obtaining an energy report which highlighted the energy savings, a desire on the part of the church to be more energy efficient and having just had a new roof all contributed to the decision. See detail in Helen’s reply:
- We were made aware that there was the opportunity of applying for a grant for a BEST energy Audit, which the Elders agreed to pursue
- This was completed in Spring 2024
- The Elders discussed the recommendations, and installing PV solar panels seemed to be the most accessible & affordable option
- One that delivered a good potential to reduce our CO2 emissions
- One that also provided a good return on the investment
- We had also just had the Church roof replaced and, therefore, knew it was the best time to have panels installed
How easy was it to get them installed?
The first step was to choose a contractor, and we were helped in that by our grant provider who advertised for tenders on our behalf. We were fortunate in having a new roof, so no extra work was involved, and we are not a listed building or in a conservation area, which can complicate things. Once we had chosen our contractor, the process was smooth and straightforward. They had made an initial visit before tendering and once we gave them the go-ahead a date was fixed. The work was completed in a day, and the panels were up and running straight away. We can monitor energy generation and use via an app, which was easy to download. The contractor was friendly and efficient and did all the paperwork as part of the job. The only task for us subsequently was to arrange to export the surplus to the grid, which we get paid for.
Is West End URC involved in environmental work with other churches in the Newcastle area?
West End is part of a group of URC churches in central and west Newcastle under a shared ministry. We have created a Green Team with representatives from each church, and we meet regularly to share ideas and encourage each other’s efforts. Some of us have gained or are working towards Eco church awards. We are quite diverse, each with different expertise to draw on, but meeting and exchanging news and ideas benefits us all.
Why should Christians and others care about the environment?
As Christians, we believe we are part of God’s creation and that we have a calling to preserve and protect it so that everything and everyone can flourish as intended. Whether Christians or not, we need to recognise how much harm we have done – and are doing – to our eco-system. The climate emergency is already making life much harder for so many people, but there are solutions, and we all need to do what we can.
Is solar power the future for supplying our energy needs?
The future for solar looks very promising. Solar energy is renewable and clean, and it’s getting more affordable and simpler to install. It’s available everywhere, worldwide, and we can see already how many less industrialised parts of the world are benefiting. Even small-scale innovations like solar lamps enabling children to do their homework in the evenings are really exciting. See also Helen’s thoughts below:
I think it’s part of the future, not sure it’s the sole solution. Complementing this with the use of wind and water power would go further to provide all-year-round energy generation.
Friends of Bylines Network
There has never been a greater need for grassroots journalism that investigates the stories that really matter, holds power to account and champions the voices of everyday citizens. We are proudly powered by volunteers but what we do isn’t free.
STAND WITH US for independent, citizen-led journalism that makes democracy stronger, and you will even get some exclusive benefits.
