Net Zero at Ruxley
Solar Panels & Battery Project
The Church of England and the Methodist Church have both committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the coming years, with their respective plans focusing on reducing environmental impact through sustainable practices.
Current situation
At Ruxley Church we have started on our journey to Net-Zero, we have had an energy audit and a report produced, and the Premises Team have highlighted some quick wins. The first win is changing our current lighting to LED lighting, which we have completed in June 2025, over the past 7 months we have saved about £450. The second win is increasing the number of solar panels installed on the worship hall roof and a battery to store excess electricity. Our current solar system was installed when the church was built, opening in 2013. We currently get free electricity when the sun is shining, but any we don’t use goes back into the grid and we don’t get paid for that. We do get paid for all the electricity we generate from the solar panels; it works out on average £1,000 a year.
The Plan: Solar Panels
The plan is to increase the number of solar panels on the fan shaped Worship Hall roof. Solar panels have evolved from when we had the initial ones installed; they have become more efficient at turning sunshine into electricity. They also have a guarantee of 25 years. We intend to fill the roof as much as possible, so we don’t have do the process again. (Our current panels are lighter in colour in this picture)
The Plan: Battery storage
We want to get battery(s) to store excess electricity, to be used later in the day, so as not to import electricity from the grid. We will also be able to store the excess electricity from our existing solar system. On forecasted dull days we have the possibility of purchasing cheap electricity during the night to charge the battery and then use the stored electricity during the day, thus saving money on buying daytime electricity.
Grants we've already got!
I have applied to various grant making organisations to cover some of the costs of the project. I am happy to say that I have received £1,750 from the Benefact Trust which is part of the Benefact Group of companies. Ruxley Church has its insurance policy with them. “Since 1972, Benefact Trust has awarded over £310 million to Christian organisations in the UK & Ireland dedicated to supporting communities of all faiths and none. Our aim is to drive positive social change by empowering those who make a difference.” I applied to their “Building Grants Supporting Churches and Christian Charity Buildings” Click here to go to their website for more details https://www.benefacttrust.co.uk/
The other charity I have applied to is the Marshalls Charity http://www.marshalls.org.uk/. They sent a surveyor at the end of August to discuss our grant application, look around the church and give advice before submitting our application to their trustees. We hope to hear in October.
We have had two companies visit the church to discuss our requirements and look around and both have submitted quotes. I am still waiting on another company for a quote.
The plan needs you
How to pay for this Solar Project
Apply for grants.
Ask the congregation and community if they would consider sponsoring a Solar Panel, they cost about £100 each and we estimate about 30 will be required. You can of course sponsor a part of a solar panel.
The balance will be provided by monies given to the church by Richard Watson in his legacy.
The Good News is that we do not have to pay VAT on the system, since we are a charity. The ECC has approved a spend up to £35,000 on this project. There are some blue giving envelopes with Solar Project on them, please place on the collection plate or give to Rev Emma or Rev Alex. If you are a UK taxpayer and wish to Gift Aid your donation, please fill in your details.
You can also pay directly into Ruxley Church bank account: Sort Code 40-20-28. Account 01490818 please add the reference Solar
For further details please contact Chris, Malcolm or Jenny or email me (Chris Meineck - Treasurer)