What we've achieved
We've secured 100% grant funding from Devon County Council's Green Impact Fund to install 80 solar panels on the Pavilion roof. This funding comes through the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government as part of the Devon and Torbay Devolution Deal - a significant vote of confidence in the project.
The community has spoken too: 198 people responded to our survey, with 90% saying they Love or Like the proposals. 55 locals have already volunteered to get involved.
Scoping the bigger picture
Our Stage 1 study explored the potential to supply solar electricity and ground source heating across our community facilities, local schools and nearby services. This work was funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and supported by the Southwest Net Zero Hub.
Meadowbrook sits at a natural hotspot of energy demand - the community centre, Primary and Bidwell Brook schools, our swimming pools, The Wave, Cider Press, Lifeworks and others are all clustered around the same area.
We're now looking to apply for Stage 2 grant funding from the Great British Energy Community Fund, to develop our solar plans further - in particular helping our schools get solar onto their rooftops - and to explore other options.
The timing is right. Recent industry reforms (known as P441) have clarified how local energy clubs can operate, and the Department for Education has lifted restrictions to allow solar power purchase agreements for state-funded schools and academies in England.
Why it matters
We're all facing the same pressures:
- Rising energy and heating costs
- The need to replace gas boilers and move to net zero
- Protecting the long-term viability of community buildings
The Energy Hub aims to tackle this collectively - making the transition easier, more affordable, and more impactful than going it alone. Benefits could include:
- Lower energy bills for community organisations
- Better energy security with local generation
- Carbon savings across the whole estate
- Funding flowing to community facilities rather than energy companies
