Press Release

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The grant funded solar panels and battery will allow the centre to be largely self sufficient in terms of electricity for much of the year. Power generated in the day will be stored in batteries for use in evenings or periods of no sun. This was complemented by funding from North Yorkshire Council to improve insulation in the building. The solar panels will slash the
carbon footprint of the centre by reducing reliance on grid electricity and help tackle the climate emergency. Not only were solar panels installed, but Yorkshire Energy Systems installed sparrow nest boxes on the building whilst scaffolding was up, these being funded by the Stockwell Community Centre Committee.
After a successful bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and a lot of behind-the-scenes hard work, a solar power generation and battery storage project at the Stockwell Community Wellbeing Hub in Knaresborough was completed this week. The project was a joint partnership between Knaresborough Town Council and Knaresborough Community Energy.
 
North Yorkshire Councillor Hannah Gostlow said “The grant funded solar panels, and battery will allow the centre to be largely self sufficient in terms of electricity for much of the

year.  This work has been complemented by much needed insulation and boiler improvements to the building.”  
 
Cllr Gostlow continued “These measures will reduce running costs and make the community centre more sustainable going forward so it can continue to offer its vital community services
for years to come.” Adam Harper a director of Knaresborough Community Energy said “Knaresborough Community Energy was established to support renewable energy projects just like this one: delivered on time and to budget. We are pleased to have supported Knaresborough Town Council to save carbon emissions and running costs”. 
 
Knaresborough Town Councillor Andy Bell “I hope this project inspires local businesses to think about generating and storing their own renewable power which reduce carbon emissions and energy bills.  These systems will pay for themselves and help tackle the climate emergency.”