Plug Me In Powers Clipston Village Hall’s Future with Solar and Battery Installation

Clipston Village Hall, a vital community hub for over 50 years, has taken a significant step towards sustainability thanks to a state-of-the-art solar PV and battery installation by local energy specialists Plug Me In (previously trading as Environmental Energies).

 

The project, made possible by years of community fundraising, as well as a number of grants, including £95,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, equips the hall with a 5.88kWp solar system and 14.2kWh battery storage. The system will generate approximately 4,500 kWh of electricity annually, saving an estimated £1,800 in the first year and reducing the hall’s CO₂ emissions by 1 tonne per year.

 

The installation forms part of a wider refurbishment project to modernise the much-loved venue, which hosts local events, receptions, film nights, and community activities., Unexpected challenges arose in the final weeks of the project when the main contractor employed to oversee the refurbishment went into administration and subsequent liquidation, leaving Plug Me In and other subcontractors unpaid. The hall was left unfinished and without warranties, despite having paid the contractor for all the completed works 

 

Despite this setback, Plug Me In stepped up to honour its two-year workmanship warranty. Zara Glew, Commercial Director at Plug Me In, explained: “At Plug Me In, we take pride in supporting our local community, the community in which we have established and built our business. When the situation unfolded, we knew we couldn’t walk away. We are committed to ensuring the solar system delivers the savings that Clipston Village Hall deserves, which is why we honoured the two-year workmanship warranty, ensuring the hall can rely on us for any repairs or support.”

 

The village hall’s management committee, led by Chair Faye Tan, expressed immense gratitude for Plug Me In’s continued support: “Plug Me In’s response has been outstanding. Despite the challenges, they honoured the warranty and worked with us to ensure the solar system was fully operational. The savings generated will help keep our running costs low, supporting community activities for years to come.”

 

A sustainable future for Clipston
The newly installed system stores solar energy during the day for use in the evenings, when the hall is most active. The committee’s chair anticipates it will provide a 20%+ reduction in running costs. 

 

“Projects like these show how renewable energy can transform community spaces,” Zara Glew added. “We’re proud to have played our part in making Clipston Village Hall more sustainable and future-ready.”