Solar PV system for Devon charity to save thousands

The EX2 Group are delighted to have completed the installation of solar panels for local charity the Estuary League of Friends at their Topsham hub Nancy Potter House. 

Predicted to save the charity more than £3,450 a year by generating 40% of their total energy needs, the design and installation was funded by VCSE Energy Efficiency Groundwork UK. The system includes 50 PV solar panels as well as battery storage to maximise the use of low-cost energy.

Nancy Potter House was built in 2017, opened its doors in 2018 and houses a Community Cafe, Topsham Post Office, the charities offices, numerous rooms for hire, hairdressers, treatment room and spaces community activites including Topsham Library. .The charity also provides a range of personalised care services to help people lead active and independent lives from the Topsham-based community hub. 

Alex McGrath, EX2 Group’s Eco-Tech Designer of the system said: 

“The Estuary League of Friends in Topsham is a fantastic charity, and it’s been a delight to work on such a worthwhile project. 

I first met Rachel Gilpin, who heads up the centre, as she as running out of the door with a defibrillator to help a local lady who’d had a turn! It really is the most amazing place; Rachel and her team are captivating with the sheer range of thoughtful community services they offer. 

The renewable energy system is a long-term solution, saving the charity money on their energy bills, as well as reducing emissions.”

Rachel Gilpin, charity CEO is delighted with the system, and the cost and emissions saving it will bring. She said:

"In the current economic time where prices are rising for us all, the charity needs to save as much as possible whilst also looking at its carbon footprint. We are now hoping for the sun to continue to shine and for the hub continue to enable us to deliver so much for all in our community.