The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout and Guide Group is pleased to announce that its Group Headquarters is now powered by solar power!
In November 2023, the Scout & Guide Group placed a call out to the community seeking support to install solar panels on its Headquarters roof. This was part of the group's efforts to reduce their impact on the environment and pursue an ambition for their Headquarters to become net zero in operations.
As it is a charitable organisation, the successful installation was made possible through the generous contributions of many individuals and businesses in the community. This included Ilkley Town Council, Green Space & Sustainability Fund, Clip & Climb Ilkley, the Guides and Brownies, and a large number of individuals and families. The group want to pass on a big thank you for everyone’s generosity and support.
Further information on the fundraising campaign, including the ‘Sponsor a panel’ program, is available at www.justgiving.com/campaign/brscoutguides-solar
The system was installed and comprises:
38 x 430W solar panels with optimisers and racking system
2 x 5.8kWh battery installed in the roof space
10kW hybrid inverter
Associated cabling and connections etc
This system enables the group to self use the solar power generated when the headquarters are in use during daylight hours, charge the two batteries with solar power during the day and use the power at night, and export excess power back into the grid for use by the wider community.
The group is very proud to be able to use its roof to generate renewable energy and lower its carbon footprint as well as engage Scout & Guide groups on sustainability initiatives, build resilience to their power supply and importantly be part of the wider community action to mitigate climate change. Solar panels will also reduce the energy bills allowing the group to invest more into young people and activities.
In 3 short wintery months they have generated 3.17 Mwh of renewable energy and saved over 2 tonnes of carbon – and counting! On average they will generate 39kWh of renewable energy per day. 21% of this will be used directly in the property, 20% will be used to charge the battery for later use and the remaining 59% will be exported to the grid. Effectively making the headquarters net zero in operation!
The group would also like to thank P4 Solar who worked collaboratively to design a system that maximised the solar output of the roof, sought to capitalise on pay back periods and export opportunities - all whilst always being conscious of budget and operational constraints. P4 Solar went above and beyond to support.
You can read more about the Group’s solar system including about the design and installation process and technical specifications on the P4 Solar website https://p4solar.co.uk/case-study/ben-rhydding-de-mohicanen-scout-guide-group/
The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout & Guide Group is one of the largest Scouting and Guiding groups in Yorkshire with over 250 young people active in the various sections. This includes Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. Their Scout Hut is also used by other community groups including the Moortime Special Needs Support Group.