Congleton Solar is proud to announce the successful completion of its second
major solar panel installation, this time at Havannah Primary School in
Congleton. This marks another step forward in the group’s mission to tackle
climate change locally while reducing energy costs for the community.
Congleton Solar, a not-for-profit volunteer-led initiative, is part of the wider
Dane Valley Community Energy Group. Financed by local shareholders, the
organisation uses any surplus income to support local good causes, with a
particular emphasis on environmental sustainability.
This latest installation follows the group’s successful Congleton Hydro project at
Havannah Weir, which has already generated over 900 megawatt-hours of
green electricity in under three years and donated £15,000 to local charities and
community initiatives.
The solar panels at Havannah Primary were installed by B-Eng Group and are
now fully operational. The school will benefit from clean, renewable energy at a
25% discount on its usual electricity rate – with no upfront cost, ongoing
maintenance, or insurance fees.
On 23rd May 2025, Sarah Russell MP joined representatives from Congleton
Solar, B-Eng Group and the school to celebrate the successful installation, Sarah
commented:
“Congleton is extremely fortunate to have the incredibly skilled and dedicated
volunteers from Dane Valley Community Energy driving sustainable energy
projects in our area. It’s great to see the benefits to local children from this
collaboration, which is typically forward-thinking of the Havannah team, and I
was so impressed by the initiative taken by their school. Raising this
achievement of theirs in Parliament recently was a proud moment for me. I
hope many other local schools will take part”
All of this has been made possible through Congleton Solar’s innovative model:
the school provides a 25-year lease on the roof space and agrees to buy the
solar electricity at a discounted rate. At the end of the contract, the school can
choose to take ownership of the panels or have them removed.
Mrs Williams, Headteacher of Havannah Primary School, expressed her
enthusiasm for the project:
“Now that the solar energy system at Havannah Primary School has officially
opened, we are thrilled to share this exciting development with our pupils and
parents. This initiative marks the beginning of a journey to help our children become
more energy-conscious and understand the positive impact solar power can have on
both the environment and our planet.”
“We were delighted when Congleton Solar approached us with this opportunity.
From the outset, we worked closely with Paul, David and the wider Congleton Solar
team. Their guidance, regular updates, and collaborative approach made the whole
process smooth and manageable. We are truly grateful for their dedication and
proud to now be generating our own clean energy on-site.”
David Mason, Chair of Congleton Solar, commented:
“We’re excited to see our second installation completed and especially proud to be
working with Havannah Primary School to educate and empower the next
generation about renewable energy. We’re not just lowering carbon emissions –
we’re investing in our community’s future.”
Congleton Community Solar is actively seeking new partners – schools,
businesses, and organisations – that use at least 50 megawatt-hours of
electricity annually and have suitable roof space. If you’re interested in
switching to affordable, local green energy, visit www.congletonsolar.co.uk to
learn more.
