Solar panels are a familiar sight on homes nowadays, but they’re also a great option for community buildings such as village halls and leisure centres.

If your community owns a suitable building – ideally with a large, south-facing roof – you might be able to get solar panels installed with no upfront cost. Local groups like Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-operative (GCEC) work with communities to fit solar panels on public buildings. The building gets cheaper electricity, and the co-operative sells the surplus energy, giving some of the returns to local investors.

The goal is to create locally generated, low-carbon power that benefits everyone. You don’t need expertise or funding to get started – just a roof and a willingness to explore the idea.

One of the smartest long-term investments you can make

Of course, solar isn’t just for public spaces. If you own your home, installing solar panels is still one of the smartest long-term investments you can make. A typical system pays for itself in 7–10 years and lasts at least 25 years, giving you decades of reduced energy bills. Panels still generate electricity on dull days, so don’t let the Great British Weather put you off!

And the technology keeps improving. Prices have fallen dramatically, and solar is now one of the fastest-growing sources of energy in the UK. There are even experiments in placing panels in space, where they’re even more efficient – though perhaps not an option for your garden shed just yet!

Where to get advice

There are several organisations within the county that can give you advice and support on getting started with solar energy. These include:
• Severn Wye Energy Agency – local, independent advice for homes and community groups.
•Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-operative – solar for community buildings.
• Warm & Well – free home energy advice for Gloucestershire residents.
• Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) – help for homes and communities across the South West.

Whether for your own home or your community’s hall, solar energy is now more accessible than ever. All it takes is the first step.