February 9 2015.


Denton Island Indoor Bowls Club has cut its carbon footprint after having a 400 solar photovoltaic (PV) panel, 100 kilowatt peak (kWp) system fitted free of charge through Renewable Energy Investments (REI). The well-established club will purchase zero carbon electricity from renewable energy investor and developer REI at a heavily discounted rate under its Solar Power Purchase Scheme.

It will then assume ownership of the system entirely in 20 years. An estimated 25 tonnes of carbon (CO2e) will be saved from entering the air every year. The new system will reduce the club’s annual £13,900 electricity bill by 35% and save an estimated £181,185 from its bills over the next two decades. The club would have faced a price tag of £107,000 to buy an equivalent solar PV system without REI's innovative funding model.

Toby Smith, projects director at REI, said: "Like many similar sporting clubs and businesses, Denton Island Indoor Bowls Club was able to maximise its own roof and take advantage of strong solar radiation levels through our fully funded PV scheme.

"As well as cutting its carbon footprint, it also means the club will save money and deliver greater benefits and value for money for its members, with funds being spent on priorities elsewhere."

The club is lit for 3,000 hours a year. Any excess electricity from the solar PV system will be fed into the national grid. So far it has generated 16,000 kWh of clean green power and it is estimated that the system will generate 103,000 kWh per year.

Mike Goldstone, club finance director, said: "The amount of pre-planning and consultation about the general impact of the installation was tremendous.

"REI was extremely flexible in relation to the fact that we were running an operational club while the system was being installed."

Denton Island Bowls Club has just over 500 members and it plays host to county events and competitions. There are male and female members and a thriving social scene.

As well as leisure clubs, REI also installs systems on golf clubs, colleges, distribution centres, agricultural sites and car dealerships.