39 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed by Gwent Energy CIC on the roof to generate electricity for use in the building in the day. A battery was also installed to store any surplus electricity not used so it can be used in the evenings to power the bar and beer coolers for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The panels will reduce the running costs of this community hub and also help them to do their part to tackle climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis project will have some very big advantages for the community in that it will lower the running cost of the building. We\u2019ve done about 200 of these installations, and they\u2019ve all had a big reduction in their energy bills which allows them to spend money on other services so they can run things like mums and toddlers groups and food banks\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Phil Powell, Gwent Energy CIC.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n This project has been a success through a mighty team effort \u2013 Gwent Energy CIC designed and installed the panels and battery system, GCEC are funding it through their share offer and FCE helped connect the Sling Club to Gwent Energy and GCEC to make this all happen! We expect this collaborative partnership to make many more projects like this happen across the Forest of Dean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Sling Community Hub is thrilled that Phil Powell and his crew from Gwent Energy CIC installed the solar panels on the former Clubhouse. Our thanks go to Peter Boait of Gloucester Community Energy Coop for putting this together so it can go ahead now – long before we could have raised the funds. But in the end the biggest thanks go to Forest Community Energy who started the whole journey with the thermal imaging cameras and the Energy Cafes at the Club courtesy of the AURORA Project. Another step towards reducing our overheads and keeping the Club well into its second century!” \u2013 <\/em>Mel, Sling Club Committee member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur 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. We are delighted to see this project go live in Sling. By supporting the Sling project people living in the Forest have the chance to make a real difference to both the community and the planet.\u201d<\/em> – Helen Jeffrey, Forest Community Energy<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n \u00a0Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op Ltd who are funding this installation have been able to do this through their community ownership model \u2013 this means that local residents can invest to own part of the installation. We are looking for people to invest in the Sling Club solar installation \u2013 anyone can invest a minimum of \u00a3250 and up to \u00a35,000 and get a projected 3.5% annual return on their investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe key thing to explain is that we are not asking for a donation, this is just like a building society, you get interest on your investment, and if you need the money back you can ask for it at any time and get it.\u201d – <\/em>Peter Boait, Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op Ltd.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n For more information how to invest: https:\/\/gloscommenergy.org.uk\/share-offers\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Forest Community Energy made a short film about the project which you can watch here: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4oxELOz5SKU<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.aurora-h2020.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/AURORA_FOD_Sling-Club-solar-panels-2_30.06.25-1024x497.jpg\")
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