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.
Solar Project - Update June 2026Thanks to everyone who has sponsored a Solar Panel so far, we are now up to 36 panels, just over halfway to our target. You may have noticed the new ECO Church notice board which is outside the office, where there is a thermometer which indicates the number of panels sponsored so far. All the new panels will be installed at the start of the school summer holidays by TitanEco who are a local company and have installed solar panels on many churches in the area and the Epsom Playhouse. If you require more information on the project please speak to a member of the ECO Team |
Current situation
We currently get free electricity from our existing solar panels 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 batteries 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. These will be outside the building near the rear car park.
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)