Hythe ECG hosted an enjoyable and informative set of two talks on Solar energy in March:

Following up on a previous talk by Stephanie Karpetas, Penny Shepherd, Chair of Orchard Community Energy, will describe how community-owned energy has and continues to develop, particularly in Kent. Orchard CE has owned a solar array in North Kent since June 2016. This has already paid initial interest payments to individual community investors, commissioned a plan from Kent Wildlife Trust for how best to manage the site for wildlife and made grants to three local community organisations for environmental projects. You can download her presentation here.

Matt Morris, a self-employed Energy and Sustainability Consultant with particular expertise in energy efficiency, solar PV, biomass heating and energy data and analysis; will give us an update on:·         Renewable energy subsidies and where policy is heading.

  • Technology and performance – state of the art and where next
  • Rough guide to sizing and finance – Is it worth it?
  • Purchase options
  • Have we forgotten solar thermal?

You can download his presentation here.