Hunstanton’s Our Lady of Perpetual Succour & St Edmund church is making a significant investment in solar energy with the installation of £27,000 worth of solar panels. The move demonstrates the church’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as its foresight in achieving long-term economic savings. The decision to embrace solar energy was influenced by the desire to reduce electrical costs for the church and the church house, as well as the encouragement of Pope Francis to make contributions to the achievement of Net Zero carbon emissions. The project includes 27 solar panels and battery storage, which will greatly contribute to the electrical usage of the parish, as well as provide flexibility in managing energy needs. The church is also planning a transition from gas to electric heating for greater energy efficiency and cost savings, while retaining the gas heating system as a backup to ensure no disruption to church services. The investment is expected to yield a return over a period of 10-12 years, and has been funded by parishioners’ contributions over the years.
The decision to invest in solar panels was influenced by a dual motive: to reduce electrical costs for the church and the church house, and to make a contribution to the achievement of Net Zero carbon emissions as encouraged by Pope Francis. The total investment of £27,000, without any grant assistance, demonstrates the parish’s confidence in the long-term viability of solar energy. The project includes 27 solar panels and battery storage, which provide flexibility in managing energy needs and storing excess power for later use, particularly for the church. The church is also planning a transition from gas to electric heating for greater energy efficiency and cost savings, while keeping the gas heating system as a backup to ensure no disruption to church services. The financial aspect of the venture is promising, with a return on investment expected over a period of 10-12 years. The funding for the project has come directly from parishioners’ contributions over the years, without specific fundraising efforts for the solar system.
The installation of solar panels is expected to provide sustained benefits for the parish, both environmentally and financially. Installed by Solar Energy Solutions Norfolk, the solar panels are expected to last around 25 years, ensuring longevity and continued benefits for the parish. The decision to invest in solar energy aligns with the church’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its foresight in achieving long-term economic savings. This initiative is a progressive step towards sustainability and demonstrates the parish’s proactive approach to reducing its environmental impact and contributing to the global effort to combat climate change. The success of this project will not only benefit the church in terms of reduced energy costs, but will also serve as an example for other institutions and communities to consider investments in renewable energy for a more sustainable future.
