by Kate Meads, Community Buildings Advisor

In 2025 solar panels are becoming a more common feature of many Village Halls.

We estimate that by the end of 2026 more than 20% of our member halls will have installed them.

Members cite multiple reasons for installing Solar Photovoltaic Panels. The most common ones are:

1. Reduce Energy Costs – Solar energy is free!

2. Environmental Sustainability – Solar energy is clean and renewable, helping reduce the hall’s carbon footprint. Supports local climate action goals and demonstrates environmental leadership.

3. Access to Grants and Funding – There are a number of grant makers who prioritise funding for environmental efficiencies

4. Energy Independence – Solar panels with battery storage allow halls to generate and store their own electricity. Reduce reliance on the national grid, and protect
against energy price volatility.

5. Community Engagement and Education – Installing solar panels can raise community awareness about renewable energy. It encourages other local buildings and residents to consider sustainable options. Both Chieveley and Beech Hill Village Halls see this as important.

6. Long-Term Investment Solar panels typically last 25–30 years, offering long- term savings. They increase the value and appeal of the hall for future generations.
As energy costs increase, the return on investment can be shorter and attractive.

7. Monitoring and Transparency- Many systems come with apps or dashboards that show real-time energy generation and usage. Which help committees manage energy more efficiently.

The staff at CCB would like to applaud all our forward thinking Management Committees!

Among the early adopters of solar panels were Sulhampsead and Ufton Nervett Village Hall, Padworth Village Hall, The Cornerstone (Wokingham), Basildon Village Hall, Burghfield Scouts Hut and East Garston Village Hall.

Halls who have installed Solar Panels since the start of CCB’s 21st Century Community Halls Project are: California Ratepayers Hall, Finchampstead Memorial Hall, and Beech Hill Village Hall.

This summer sees Chieveley Village Hall, Arborfield Village Hall (pictured above), Bradfield Village Hall and West Ilsley Village Halls making their installations.

More Halls have plans to install solar soon, among these are St John’s Crowthorne, Hampstead Norreys Village Hall and Bucklebury Village Hall.

Any questions?Email: kate.meads@ccberks.org.uk