Scout and Guide Group Headquarters achieve Net Zero target using Easy PV

An Ilkley Scout and Guide Group is leading the charge in the fight against climate change with an incredibly successful campaign to achieve net zero in their headquarters’ carbon use.

The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout and Guide Group staged a successful fundraising appeal in November, raising £18,000 to install solar panels on the roof of their headquarters. This allows them to power their own premises and contribute electricity back to the national grid, effectively achieving net zero with their carbon footprint.

The charitable organisation’s scheme was released thanks to donations from individuals and businesses in the community, including Ilkley Town Council Green Space & Sustainability Fund, Clip & Climb Ilkley, the Guides and Brownies, and many individuals and families.

A spokesperson for the group said, "This system enables us to self-use the solar power generated when the headquarters are in use during daylight hours, charge the two batteries with solar power during the day and use the power at night, and export excess power back into the grid for use by the wider community.

“We are very proud to use our roof to generate renewable energy and lower our carbon footprint, engage Scout and Guide groups on sustainability initiatives, build resilience to their power supply, and importantly, be part of the wider community action to mitigate climate change.

“Solar panels will also reduce the energy bills, allowing us to invest more into young people and activities.”

Over the past three months, the group has generated 3.17 MWh of renewable energy and saved more than two tonnes of carbon. On average, they will generate 39 kWh of renewable energy per day. Around 21% of this will be used directly in the property, another fifth will charge the battery for later use, and the remaining 59% will be exported to the grid, effectively making the headquarters net zero in operation.

The HQ was assessed by Arup as part of work for Scouts UK, and the group was provided with an assessment and road map to get to Net Zero. The group has self-funded several initiatives to reduce their energy consumption, including LED lights, motion sensors, good insulation, and double-glazed windows.

The group worked with P4 Solar to design a system that maximised the solar output of the roof, capitalised on pay-back periods and export opportunities, all while being conscious of budget and operational constraints.

A spokesperson for P4 Solar added, “Recognising the significance of this endeavour, P4 Solar was eager to contribute to the betterment of the Group and its surroundings. This successful collaboration between P4 Solar, Ben Rhydding Scout & Guide Group, and supporting partners exemplifies the transformative potential of solar energy and battery storage solutions in community settings. Thanks to the installation, the Scout & Guide Group have now planted 100 trees in Madagascar as part of P4’s Plant a Tree Campaign.”

The system comprises 38 x 430W solar panels with optimizers and racking system, 2 x 5.8kWh batteries installed in the roof space, a 10kW hybrid inverter, and associated cabling and connections. It is anticipated that the system will recoup the costs of installation after just four years.

Midsummer's Easy PV solution for designing complete PV systems was integral to this project, with a spokesperson for the group stating, "Here at P4 Solar, we use Easy PV to design all our solar and battery solutions. We have found their software to be highly detailed, reliable, and easy to use. The reports we are able to share with our customers are simple to digest and add visibility on the investment they are making. We used the software to put together the system in place at Ben Rhydding scout hut, a project that has allowed a community access to clean electricity. Thank you, Easy PV, for your support on this fantastic collaboration".

The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout & Guide Group is one of the largest Scouting and Guiding groups in Yorkshire, with over 250 young people active in various sections, including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides. Their Scout Hut is also used by other community groups, including the Moortime Special Needs Support Group.

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