Pilot scheme to give Sonning Common access to solar technology

FOUR panellists spoke about rooftop solar technology at the launch of a renewables project being piloted in Sonning Common.

CPRE Oxfordshire launched its “rooftop renewables” scheme at Peppard War Memorial Hall.

The scheme will seek to inspire the uptake of solar technology in the village through a series of workshops and events.

About 25 villagers attended the event on Wednesday last week, which included a screening of Power Station, a documentary following communities taking control of their energy future.

The screening was followed by a discussion between panellists Dayle Hoyland, Richard Harding, Stuart Major, and Dave Murray.

The panel discussed the benefits, costs, challenges and limitations of adopting solar technology as well as where to go for guidance, followed by questions from the audience.

Mr Hoyland, retrofit team leader at Oxfordshire County Council, said that lower costs meant it made economic sense to adopt the technology now.

He said: “The cost of solar technology has come down significantly and there are also schemes available to help overcome the initial cost barrier.

“It is crucial to act now in terms of doing what we can to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and to address the threat of mass extinction when it comes to biodiversity.”

He added that when a group of residents adopt the technology at the same time, further savings can be made.

Mr Murray, who lives in Sonning Common and has solar panels on his home, said initially he was intimidated by a “lack of knowledge and understanding” but now his only regret was not installing another battery.

He said taking it on as part of a community would have given him more confidence, and said the CPRE scheme was “very welcome”.

Mr Murray said: “There are issues around managing the technicalities of solar power but you don’t have to know how a car works to buy a car.

“You shouldn’t be put off by the fact that you don’t fully understand how everything works — just get on with it.”

Mr Harding, former chair of CPRE Oxfordshire who first installed solar panels in 2005, called the technology a “fantastic investment”.

He dispelled misconceptions such as needing a south-facing roof, adding that he has panels facing west and east, which alternately provide power for mornings and evenings.

Mr Major, director of R-Eco Co-op, encouraged the audience to start considering switching to solar ahead of the summer.

He added that while solar won’t meet all of your energy needs in the UK, there is the advantage of being able to charge batteries at cheaper rates to store for when you need it.

On February 10, CPRE Oxfordshire will hold a workshop looking at the solar potential of your property.

A workshop on March 24 will look at different grants and funding options, as well as the best ways to obtain quotes.

Both will be held at Sonning Common village hall starting at 6.30pm.

To register your interest, visit administrator@cpreoxon.org.uk