Wrapping up 2024 in the final quarterly newsletter

1. Community Impact

One year on: Buckingham Town Cricket & Rugby Club’s solar installations

Buckingham Town Cricket Club and Buckingham Rugby Club are celebrating a successful year of renewable energy following the installation of solar panel systems at their clubhouses, in partnership with Gawcott Fields Community Solar CIC. Both clubs have achieved substantial cost and carbon savings, allowing them to reinvest more funds into grassroots sports and vital community initiatives.

From August 2023 to August 2024, the solar system at Buckingham Town Cricket Club generated 2,920 kWh of energy, with the battery contributing an additional 2,861 kWh. Together, the systems powered an impressive 40% of the club’s total electricity needs with clean, renewable solar energy. The cost savings have been equally impactful, with the solar array reducing energy bills substantially with annual savings of around £750—a significant boost which has enabled the club to invest directly into grassroots initiatives.

“The money saved has been put to great use, helping to deliver cricket for all ages and abilities within the club. It has funded ECB qualifications for our coaches, improving the overall standard of coaching for everyone involved. We are incredibly grateful to Gawcott Fields Community Solar for making this possible” – Adrian Johnson, Buckingham Town Cricket Club

Similarly, Buckingham Rugby Club has enjoyed the benefits of solar energy. Gawcott Solar estimates they saved approximately £2,200 on their energy bills by using 9,100 kWh of solar energy over the past year.

“The money saved has been put straight back into the Club by way of upgrading all of our external lighting plus some additional lighting, all LED which came to £2800 + vat. So a great help already! The savings have been a huge benefit, freeing up more funds for other important projects, facilities and equipment. Most recently, we’ve completed a set of new female changing rooms. A great benefit to a community facility!”– Adrian Goosey, Buckingham Rugby Club

These solar projects, supported by Gawcott Fields Community Solar, will continue to provide long-term cost and emissions savings throughout their 20-year lifespans.

Buckingham Football Club set to receive new LED floodlighting!

We’re excited to announce that, following board approval, Buckingham Football Club is set to upgrade to energy-efficient LED floodlighting. Gawcott Fields Community Solar will contribute 30% of the project’s cost, helping to make this upgrade possible. This upgrade will result in a significant 37.5% reduction in the club’s electricity! As part of the new project, the club will repay Gawcott Fields Community Solar a percentage of the annual energy savings over the next 10 years. These repayments will be reinvested into additional carbon reduction projects within a 5km radius of the solar farm. The LED floodlights installation is set for April 2025, promising significant energy and carbon savings.

 

2. Final quarter performance update

In the final quarter, Gawcott Fields Solar Farm generated 1,583 MWh, which was 12% below our projections. This shortfall was mainly due to lower-than-expected irradiance in September, which was particularly cloudy, resulting in sunshine levels 16% below the projected monthly average. However, we anticipate that the sunny weather in October will help offset this shortfall. From a financial standpoint, Gawcott Fields Community Solar remains in a strong and stable position.

3. News and resources

2024 stats: A year of impact and energy

  • From September 2023 to 2024, we generated 4,206 MWh of solar energy.
  • We’re also proud to have invested over £50,000 into community projects within a 5km radius of the solar farm, supporting energy and environmental initiatives that make a real difference locally.

New retrofit guide for community buildings!

As winter approaches, many community buildings are at risk of condensation, dampness and mould. To help, we’ve created a Community Building Retrofit Guide that shows you how to make your building healthier, warmer and more affordable. Our guide walks you through an energy audit to identify the most effective upgrades for heating, lighting and insulation.  It also provides advice for low-carbon retrofit options, all of which can support further grant  applications to various funding sources.

We’ll be uploading the guide to our website in the new year—if you’re part of a Gawcott-based community organisation looking to improve your building’s energy efficiency, this resource is for you!

Acoustic biodiversity research opportunity

We’re taking part in a new research project with Exeter University, studying bat and bird activity around solar farms. The study, starting in spring 2025, will explore how wildlife interacts with solar PV infrastructure to better understand species’ adaptations. Local landowners with land near our solar farm are invited to participate. If you’re interested, please get in touch!

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

As we enter the festive season we want to thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

4. About Gawcott Fields Community Solar CIC

Gawcott Fields Community Solar is a Community Interest Company which runs a 4.17 megawatt solar array between Gawcott and Buckingham. The solar farm is governed by local volunteer directors and run for the benefit of the local community. The solar farm earns income from the sale of electricity and a Feed-in Tariff. Surplus income generated (after operating and finance costs) is then used to provide funding for community organisations and projects in the local area. GFCS is governed by a board of volunteer directors and professionally managed by CfR CIC.
December 18, 2024
Category:

More News...