Dalwood Community Shop and Post Office: Solar Panels Project
Background: The shop is in the centre of Dalwood Village in Devon about 1 ½ miles off the A35 between Axminster and Honiton. The building is leased from East Devon District Council and was rebuilt from one garage in a block of 3. In 2005 the Council offered the garage next door and the shop was extended. With larger premises and energy bills representing their largest overhead (£2000.00pa), it was decided at the Shop AGM in February 2009 to undertake a feasibility study into renewable energy and funding.
Planning and Research: Through Renewable Energy 4 Devon, Paul Baker was appointed to mentor the shop committee. Paul undertook a comprehensive assessment of need and produced a report recommending solar voltaic panels (as there had no need for heating for the shop or water). He also recommended increased loft insulation and installation of energy saving bulbs. Several companies were contacted for quotes - the level of information provided by different companies varied but the costs were very similar. A company called Beco was decided on as they were the most helpful. Their quote was in the region of about £12.000. The report concluded 12 panels on the south side of the roof would reduce electricity consumption by about 15% and provide an income of approx £850.00 per year. The carbon emissions saving would be over 1 tonne annually.
Funding: The Energy Trust was a good place to start for advice, and signposting. An interest free loan of £2,000 was then obtained from The Rural Development fund supported by Devon County Council as some costs would be sought straight away and many grant schemes only provide 50% of the funding upfront. The majority of funding was sought locally from the Blackdown Hills AONB, and Renewable Energy for Devon.
Planning Permission: Planning permission for the installation was sought first, and had good support from the District Council and their Planning Committee.
Delays: Before contracts had been signed, Beco advised they could not provide the inverter needed until August. An alternative contractor, Natural Watt was found and they offered improved prices and terms. At almost the same time they were advised under an EU ruling they may not qualify for both The Feed in Tariff as well as the installation costs but by the end of summer the EU ruling was finally that FIT could be applied to projects such as this.
Installation: The installation of 12 panels and related technology took place in the second week of October and took 3 just days. The system includes a display unit in the shop which continually shows updated data about the energy produced and Feed in Tariff information over 24 hrs, 15 days and per year. The same information can be accessed from home online using a website connected to Natural Watt.
Contacts: If more detailed information is needed about the installation/specifications/grant information please contact shelagh.beak@gmail.com or to view the full report from Dalwood, click here.