Hythe renewable energy plan
About this project
- Date started:
- March 2012
- Status:
- In planning
- Number of people involved:
- Number of people benefitting:
- Goals or benefits:
- Related Transition stage:
- Deepening
Description
Aims:
We are seeking to follow in the footsteps of other Transition towns by embarking on community renewable energy projects. The first identified is to put solar panels on the roof of the local football club, Hythe Town FC. This would be for 96 250W PV panels and would be achieved through a community share scheme.
Inspiration:
We were particularly inspired by the project of Transition Lewes and OVESCo at the Harvey's Brewery.
Outcomes so far:
This project has generated considerable interest and enthusiasm, resulting in the formation of an energy sub-group.
Obstacles, and how we overcame them:
Plenty still to overcome, we expect!
Lessons learned:
How helpful other schemes are, how ready they are to give their time and advice.
Links and partnerships:
We had a visit to OVESCo in Lewes and to Transition Lewes. This was invaluable as we received a lot of help and excellent advice. OVESCo has clearly overcome many of the hurdles and has a model that can be replicated. This is though its pioneer project to put solar panels on the roof of the local Harvey's Brewery.
Sources of funding:
We will launch a community share scheme along the lines of that done in Lewes, with the aim of raising around £58,000 for the initial project. As at Lewes, we expect to offer shares from £250 with a guaranteed return, to be decided, after two years.
Sources of materials:
We expect to work with Southern Solar, the partners for OVESCo's project. We have met with them and have quotes for the work.
Further information:
Transition Hythe would like to pioneer a number of renewable energy projects, to provide a flagship for the community and for other non-league football clubs, providing an example of what can be achieved. The first project, focused on the football club, is ideal as the main stand roof is large and south-facing, at a ten degree angle, and the club also has adequate three-phase supply. One of the main instigators of Transition Hythe is also a long-standing volunteer director at the club.
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