Approval has been given for the installation of solar panels on the roof of Wellington Rugby Club by Brendon Energy this month according to the Transition Town Wellington Committee. This is the fourth solar photovoltaic installation carried out by Brendon Energy in the local area. Three have already been completed at Wiveliscombe Community Centre, Brompton Regis Village Hall and Churchinford Village Hall. So far funding has come from a share offer and a short-term loan but now Brendon Energy have launched their second share offer intended to raise £60,000.
The offer will “make investors members of Brendon Energy co-op, help to generate green energy and fight climate change and provide free electricity for local community buildings. It promises to give a good return to investors (5% or significantly more with EIS tax relief) and finance local community funds from the profits.”
Further possible installations are being investigated, including the Friends’ Meeting House. Whilst Court Fields School has yet to respond to the initiative, it was noted that Friends of the Earth are running a petition as part of their wider community energy campaign to put pressure on the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, to encourage the installation of solar panels on school roofs.