Delivering Sustainable Energy and Long Term Savings Through Solar PV and Battery Storage
Overview
The Experience Project at Whittingham Methodist Church partnered with SolarTherm UK to significantly reduce operational costs and improve long term energy resilience. By installing a high performance solar PV and battery storage system, the church has achieved outstanding financial and environmental results within the first year of operation.
System Details
- System size: 27.06 kWp
- Estimated annual generation: 24,853.38 kWh
- CO₂ savings (30 years): 146,391 kg
We installed 66 Amerisolar 410W all black solar panels that come with a 30 year production warranty. The Church also opted to install a Voltsmile H1 20.48kW battery with a 20 year warranty.
This carefully designed system supports the Church’s diverse energy needs, daytime community activities, weekend services and evening special events, while maximising on site energy use and minimising grid reliance.
Pre-Installation Energy Profile
- Annual consumption: 23,738 kWh
- Annual energy cost: £7,997.33 + standing charge
- Tariff: £0.3369 per kWh
The Church’s existing energy usage and escalating costs made a solar installation a practical and valuable investment.
Post-Installation Energy Performance
Recent billing data shows dramatic improvement:
- Latest annual consumption: 11,869 kWh
- Latest energy cost: £3,998.66 + standing charges
- Reduction in grid consumption: approximately 50%
This early performance confirms the system is outperforming initial projections.
Financial Outcomes
Initial Projections (Pre-Installation)
- Estimated Annual Savings: £5,846.36
- Estimated Lifetime Profit: £284,817.42
- Return on Investment: 6 years
Updated Projections (One Year On)
- Estimated Annual Savings: £8,033.06
- Estimated Lifetime Profit: £591,135.71
- Return on Investment: 4 years
The system is performing far above expectations, reducing payback time by 33% and doubling the expected lifetime financial benefit.
Environmental Impact
Via system monitoring we can see that Whittingham Methodist Church has already achieved:
- Solar Energy Produced: 26.01 MWh
- Average Daily Generation: 35.64 kWh per day
- Environmental Benefit: equivalent to planting 1,417 trees
This positions The Experience Project as a leading example of environmental stewardship within the local community.
Outcome
The solar PV and battery installation at The Experience Project, Whittingham Methodist Church has delivered exceptional financial benefits, strong energy independence and significant reduction in carbon emissions. It is leading the way in the local community for improved sustainability. SolarTherm UK is proud to support a project that not only cuts costs but strengthens the long term mission of the Church.
