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Client
St Mary’s RFU
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Sector
Leisure & Tourism
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Technology
Solar panels and battery storage
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System size
42kWp
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Payback period
4 years
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25-year savings
£360,000
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Estimated annual output
39,177kWh
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Annual CO2 savings
8.32 tonnes
Client
St Mary’s RFC is a thriving grassroots rugby club in the outskirts of Bristol, with teams for men, women and juniors, as well as touch rugby. The club’s focus is on fun, friendship and fitness and, like many clubs, relies on volunteers to help maintain its 22-acre site and 30-year-old clubhouse.
Even before the 2022 energy crisis, the club was struggling with an inefficient heating system, high CO2 output and energy costs in excess of £10k per year. The club commissioned an independent energy survey which helped identify several ways to make the building more efficient, as well as recommending the installation of solar panels and battery storage. Following a competitive tender process, Solarsense was chosen as contractor. The installation was completed on time and on budget, immediately resulting in a repayment of over £1000 from the energy provider and a reduction of £200/month on utility bills.
The project represented the club’s largest ever capital investment and securing funding was challenging. After numerous unsuccessful applications the club secured a grant from the European Regional Development Fund which covered 36% of the cost. The remainder was met through a loan from the RFU and repayments were generously provided by one of the club’s sponsors. The project has proved such a success that St Mary’s has since been asked to advise the RFU and support other rugby clubs to do the same.
Clean Energy System
Solarsense installed solar PV panels on the rugby club’s southwest and southeast facing roofs and integrated them with 2x Givenergy 8kWh batteries. In the first six months the clean energy system generated 13,000KWh of electricity, providing 29% of the club’s winter usage. Any excess electricity is exported to the grid and recorded via their smart meter, providing an additional income stream for the club.
“We were very keen to improve the green credentials of the club and reduce our C02 emissions. At the same time, cost was a driving factor – even before the recent rises in electricity prices we couldn’t afford not to do it. We contacted several different companies to quote, including Solarsense who were recommended by a local community group. Solarsense completed their tender return accurately and professionally and were responsive and supportive throughout the process. They also had access to the panels and batteries and were able to turn the project around in the timescales we needed. They did everything they said they would do and were always more than happy to answer questions and provide data. Everyone I dealt with at the company was pleasant to work with and the project manager was amazing – he was worth his weight in gold! Overall they did a brilliant job!”
Kevin Mulvaney – Club Vice Chairman and Project Manager.
Services provided
- Detailed technical design (solar PV system and EV charge points)
- Full supply, installation, commissioning and testing
- Full handover including MCS registration, G99 grid connection, operation and maintenance pack
