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Solar PV and battery storage for community buildings

Strathdearn Community Developments (SCD) are always looking for ways to improve our agenda of becoming a “greener community”.  In July 2023 SCD sought advice from Business Energy Scotland on how to reduce the rising energy costs, and  carbon footprint, of our community buildings – the Strathdearn Hub and the community shop / cafe. 

The report received stated that if the following recommendations were implemented, the organisation could potentially save £12,888 in the energy costs and 9.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Key actions and next steps recommended:

  • Install a 37.67kWp solar PV array connected to a battery storage unit on the community hub building.
  • Install a 27.14kWp solar PV array on the roof of the cafe / shop building.
SCD proceeded to apply for funding and support from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Scheme
(CARES) for solar PV and battery storage for the Strathdearn Hub and solar PV for the community cafe / shop.

We were awarded 80% capital grant funding by CARES, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) then awarded a further 10% towards the cost and SCD match funded the remaining amount.

Overall we are delighted with the outcome of this project.  Within the first 3 months the solar panels generated 11931 kWh and we reduced the community buildings’ energy costs by over 50%.  We will be able to provide a complete annual report on the impact of the new system once a year has passed (May 2025).

This project has not only had a profound effect on future proofing the community buildings allowing activities to continue but will also help us on our journey towards contributing to the net zero!

SCD would like to take this opportunity to thank CARES and SSEN again – the support received from the Local Energy Scotland team was instrumental in allowing this project to progress both from a funding perspective and for guidance throughout the complex technical considerations. 


Community benefits:

  • future proofing community buildings
  • positive impact on climate
  • social benefits