Christ Church Cheltenham is proud to announce the completion of our cutting-edge solar panel and battery system installation and will mark the occasion with a big switch-on and a buffet lunch on Sunday 29th June at 12:30 pm.
This isn’t just about going green; it’s a huge leap forward in our ambitious Net Zero Programme, propelling us towards a fossil-fuel-free future by 2030 and setting a path towards community-driven sustainability.
After over two years of dedicated work, 44 gleaming solar panels now grace the rooftops of our church halls and parish office, silently harnessing the sun’s power. This pioneering project is projected to dramatically reduce CO2 emissions by 2.6 tonnes every year while also cutting annual energy costs by a staggering £3,600! Even better, a significant portion of these savings will directly benefit our fabulous community, revising hall rental charges for the diverse groups who use the Christ Church halls – from a lively pre-school playgroup and senior’s lunch club, to dynamic dance troupes, choirs, table tennis and keep-fit enthusiasts!
This powerful solar installation builds on our earlier success with modern LED lighting throughout the premises. With this new energy source, we’re now well-positioned to explore advanced electric heating solutions, moving closer to a completely gas-free operation for both the church and halls.
This achievement has been made possible by an outpouring of generosity: grants, including a vital contribution from Cheltenham Net Zero, donations from Christ Church members and friends through our “sponsor a solar panel” scheme, and enthusiastic backing from some of our hall users.
Navigating the complexities of planning requirements for a Grade II* listed building within the Cheltenham Central Conservation Area was no small feat. Our dedicated volunteer project team, working hand-in-hand with expert advisors including Andrew Fletcher of Carbon Control Ltd, David Arnold, and Harvey Faulkner-Aston of Arnold Bartosch Ltd, repeatedly refined plans to meet every requirement.
We eventually secured planning permission from the council in July 2024 and a faculty from the Church of England in December 2024, and could finally progress with the installation, overseen by Andrew Fletcher and executed by local firm Eco Mirage Ltd.
Christ Church Cheltenham is not just a place of worship; it’s a beacon of sustainable innovation and community spirit. Although the nights will be quite short, during July we will be using solar energy and the battery storage system to light up the church tower in green. Join us in a greener future, one solar-powered ray at a time!