Solar Panel Donation Empowers Charity
At SolarSense, we believe renewable energy should not only reduce costs and cut carbon emissions but also create lasting social value in our communities. That’s why we were delighted to partner with our client, apetito to repurpose more than 150 solar panels, giving them a new lease of life and ensuring they continue to generate clean energy where it’s needed most.
Following the installation of a new clean energy system at apetito’s main manufacturing site, including multiple rooftop solar PV arrays, solar carports and totalling more than 2,800 solar panels, SolarSense partnered with the company to ensure the responsible decommissioning of its previous solar panels which were to be replaced with higher wattage modules. Ensuring the previous solar panels didn’t end up in landfill, we worked together to find a meaningful reuse solution that reflects our shared commitment to sustainable leadership and social responsibility.
We arranged for the decommissioned solar panels to be donated to South West charity Paul’s Place, dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults with physical, cognitive, and sensory impairments. The contribution will significantly support operations at the charity’s new facility and help to reduce monthly running costs, allowing more of the money raised to go on enhancing the lives of those supported by the organisation.
“With over one hundred solar panels going on the roof, we’ll have more money to spend on the members, rather than building facilities. Prior to this, we were looking at electricity bills of £1,200 – £1,500 per month. When you put that across a year, that is a phenomenal amount of money we need to raise to just get us through. Having SolarSense and apetito come along and say that we can not only put solar panels on the roof, but provide the scaffolding, inverters and fire kill switches too – and make it all happen – it has an extraordinary impact for us as a very small charity.” Lynda Williams, CEO of Paul’s Place
With the donated panels expected to generate around 35,000kWh of free, renewable electricity each year, the impact for Paul’s Place is colossal. By reducing their energy costs totalling up to £1,500 per month, the solar PV installation will provide greater financial security and enable the charity to expand both its membership and facilities. Lottie Percy, Sustainability Manager at apetito comments on the donation of the solar panels:
“As a business passionate about leading the way in sustainability and driving social value within the communities that we serve, it was extremely important to us that these panels did not end up going to waste and a better reuse solution could be found. It has been a real pleasure working closely with SolarSense to get this new site running on as much renewable energy as possible. This installation not only reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and helps another organisation lower its carbon footprint but also empowers the charity to concentrate its resources where they matter most – bettering the lives of its members.” Lottie Percy, Sustainability Manager at apetito
For us at SolarSense, this project goes beyond energy and cost savings – it’s about resilience, community, and ensuring renewable energy delivers wider benefits. As an employee-owned B Corp it reflects the values of our entire team.
“Solar doesn’t just deliver monetary savings, it also provides resilience against future energy price volatility. This offers some protection from economic changes in the outside world, which will undoubtedly help a charity like Paul’s Place moving forward. Partnerships like this one reflect our dedication to supporting the community whilst promoting environmental responsibility, and we’re proud to be contributing through a project that delivers meaningful outcomes for both people and the planet.” Chris Ashfield, Director of Sales at SolarSense
SolarSense has launched Solar as a Service to Accelerate UK Business Decarbonisation
SolarSense has just launched Solar as a Service, a fully funded model designed to make clean energy accessible to more organisations without the burden of upfront capital expenditure. Aimed at businesses seeking to cut costs and accelerate their Net Zero goals, the service enables the installation of solar PV, battery storage, and solar carports with no capital outlay, no ownership obligations, and no maintenance responsibilities.
With Solar as a Service, most clients are cash positive from day one. Request your free savings assessment and get a tailored breakdown of your potential energy cost reduction, carbon savings, and ROI – all with zero capital investment.