Overview

Crick Community Sports Centre (CCSC) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation delivering sport and fitness facilities for the community of Crick in Northampton and its surrounding villages – including football, cricket, hockey and tennis. They also operate a private function room for parties and community events. 

With the Centre relying heavily on its Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) floodlights, they were looking for ways to generate their own power and cut energy costs, and spoke with Plug me in about installing a solar PV system.

Paul Lane, CSCC Trustee, told us:
“With our substantial roof area, we saw an opportunity to have solar panels fitted and begin producing our own power – making the centre more self-sufficient and boosting our sustainability credentials. As well as this, we welcomed the chance to reduce our costs and lessen our environmental impact.”

Installation details 
Plug me in were pleased to support Crick Community Sports Centre with the installation of a 20 kWp solar PV system, capable of generating 15,407 kWh a year. The system also saves three tonnes of CO₂ annually – over its lifetime, that’s the equivalent of planting 1,080 trees. 

Reflecting on the project, Paul said:
“Preparations went well and the installation was very good. With our solar system up and running and with an attractive estimated return on investment, we were pleased to see significant reductions in our CO₂ production. The money we’re now saving on energy can be used to fund other improvement projects across the Centre.”

Financial and environmental impact 
By reducing their carbon output, the solar PV system reduces the Centre’s environmental impact and supports their strong community focus by making them a greener, more sustainable operation. 

It also reduces their energy costs, meaning more money to channel elsewhere across the site.

Looking ahead 
With their new solar PV system in place, CCSC is now harnessing renewable energy from the sun instead of relying on fossil fuels. 

Plug me in were delighted to support them and their continuing mission to bring the benefits of sport and fitness to residents of Crick and the surrounding areas – powering them ahead to a cleaner, greener future.