Euxton Going Green

The Methodist Church aim is to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

Euxton has been purchasing green electricity for more than five years and has a phased programme to change to LED lighting thereby reducing electricity use. Recently solar panels have been incorporated into a new Church Hall roof, and these are now producing green electricity. A phased planned programme has been agreed subject to available funding, to replace gas-fired heating systems in three buildings commencing with the Church, with an efficient and effective Eco-friendly heating system.

Solar Panels and Battery System

In 2023 a working party was formed to investigate options for replacing the Church Hall roof covering which had reached its expected lifespan. There had been an increasing number of water penetrations in recent years culminating in some serious penetrations in 2023. It was decided to incorporate solar panels on the south facing roof slope. There were limitations on the weight of suitable replacement roof coverings as the Church Hall is a timber prefabricated structure. A structural engineer and an architectural technologist were appointed to design a stronger roof structure to support Cedral Rivendale roof slates, improved insulation and solar panels. The solar panels were installed almost flush with the roof slating using a GSE In-Roof System. The new Church Hall roof, solar panels and battery system were completed in late October 2024.

Before inviting formal quotations to supply and install solar panels, several solar energy specialists were contacted and requested to submit their recommendations and costs. From the information received it was decided to specify twenty two solar panels and include a battery system to store electricity. Formal quotations were invited from six MCS certified solar energy specialists and a quotation submitted by Nightingale Electrical (Bolton) Ltd was accepted comprising:

22 No. 435Watt JASolar panels and Tigo Energy optimisers, 10kW Solax Inverter and 17.4kWh Solax modular batteries. The installation cost £17,768 including a £184 Planning application fee. The installation is estimated to have a nine year payback period.

During the last four winter months, 584kWh solar electricity has been generated, 491kWh used, 93kWh exported and 1,449kWh electricity imported from the grid. The batteries have been charged at night at a lower tariff for daytime use. Approximately 26% of the total electricity consumed was produced by the solar panels. As the days lengthen, and the sun intensifies during spring and summer months, the solar panels will generate much more electricity. It is estimated that 56% of the electricity consumed per year will be generated by the solar panels.

If Churches would like further information on installing solar panels and a battery system, or if there are other Churches that have knowledge and experience of efficient and effective Eco-friendly heating systems suitable for a Church used once a week, please contact John A Smith, Property Secretary, Euxton Methodist Church – email address: john@jbxton.me.uk.