Sling Club, a vital community hub in the Forest of Dean, has significantly reduced its operational energy costs and enhanced its sustainability profile through the recent installation of a 39-panel solar photovoltaic (PV) system complemented by battery storage. This pioneering project, a collaborative effort involving Forest Community Energy, Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op, and Gwent Energy, exemplifies a successful community-led energy initiative designed to provide long-term financial savings and contribute to local decarbonization efforts, setting a precedent for similar community assets.

The installation, completed by Gwent Energy, features 39 solar PV panels strategically placed on the club’s roof to generate electricity for daytime consumption. A crucial addition is the integrated battery storage system, which captures any surplus electricity produced during peak generation hours, allowing it to be utilized during evenings or periods of lower solar irradiance. This hybrid system is projected to deliver substantial reductions in the club's running costs, freeing up financial resources that can be reallocated to vital community services, such as local groups and food banks, as highlighted by Phil Powell of Gwent Energy, who noted their firm has completed over 200 such successful installations.

The project’s realization was significantly bolstered by an innovative community ownership model facilitated by Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op Ltd. This funding mechanism allowed local individuals and organizations to invest in the solar installation, with a minimum investment of £250 and a maximum of £5,000, offering a projected annual return of 3.5 percent. Peter Boait of Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op emphasized that this is an investment, not a donation, akin to a building society account, providing both financial return and community benefit.

Helen Jeffrey of Forest Community Energy underscored the broader impact, stating, “Our Forest Community Energy group empowers and connects people. We help those passionate to bring greener, cleaner energy, and real savings, to their communities and connect them with those who have the knowledge and experience to help make things happen.” The Sling Club spokesman expressed immense gratitude to all partners, particularly Forest Community Energy for initiating the journey with energy audits and cafes, and Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op for enabling the project’s timely execution. This initiative marks another strategic step towards reducing overheads and ensuring the club’s longevity well into its second century, demonstrating the tangible benefits of localized renewable energy deployment and collaborative community action.