The AURORA Project in the Forest of Dean aims to install at least 200 kWp community solar on public and community asset buildings. This rooftop solar PV installation will reduce carbon and electricity bill costs for the building operators. Our community solar installation is in Lydney, at Lydney Leisure Centre and the adjoining secondary school The Dean Academy.
The AURORA Project set up Forest Community Energy (FCE) to support this work and develop replication projects. FCE has collaborated with Big Solar Co-op, Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op Ltd, Gwent Energy CIC and Forest of Dean District Council to identify more local community buildings for rooftop solar.
So far, this approach has been replicated at The Speech House Hotel and Sling Community Hub.
Community Solar at Lydney Leisure Centre – in Progress
- In partnership with Big Solar Co-op
- 62 kWp of rooftop solar on the swimming pool roof
- Approximate annual output of 54,524 kWh, reducing carbon emissions
- Reduced electricity bills for the centre’s operator, Freedom Leisure
We have progressed legal documents, permits and technical tasks. Consent from the Department of Education is the next milestone on our journey to installation in the next few months.
Community Solar at The Dean Academy – in Progress
- In partnership with Big Solar Co-op
- 251 kWp of rooftop solar on the sports hall and 7 school building roofs
- Approximate annual output of 235,500 kWh, reducing carbon emissions
- Reduced electricity bills for The Dean Academy / The Athelstan Trust
We have progressed permits and technical tasks. In July 2025 national government paused all consents for solar power purchase agreements, an essential part of community solar. Consent for The Dean Academy is on hold until the national government issues are resolved.
Community Solar at The Speech House Hotel – Complete
- In partnership with Big Solar Co-op and Nimbus Solar
- 53.5 kWp of rooftop solar on several roofs
- Approximate annual output of 36,055 kWh, reducing carbon emissions
- Read Community Solar Installed at The Speech House Hotel to find out more
Community Solar at Sling Community Hub – Complete
- In partnership with Forest Community Energy, Gloucestershire Community Energy Co-op Ltd and Gwent Energy CIC
- 39 panels installed and a battery to store any surplus electricity for evening use
- Watch our short film
- Read Forest Community Energy support a local community hub get solar to find out more
