COMMUNITY organisations in the Winchester area will get free support around upgrading their facilities with solar panels from the city council.

The new scheme is being run in partnership with local climate charity Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC).

The council’s Community Solar Support Scheme, funded by the UK government via its UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will provide community organisations with an easy, hassle-free route to installing solar panels on community buildings.

Hampshire Chronicle: Picture of Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall, which received support from the council to raise funding and install solar panelsPicture of Itchen Abbas and Avington Village Hall, which received support from the council to raise funding and install solar panels (Image: Winchester City Council)This scheme, which is part of the local authority’s Carbon Neutrality Action Plan, will not only help organisations reduce their carbon footprint, but it will also aim to help reduce running costs.

READ MORE: Tourism and creative businesses to benefit from free carbon reduction support

Through the initiative, community organisations can benefit from WinACC’s support from start to finish - from finding suitable locations and reputable installers, obtaining necessary permissions and identifying funding sources, through to the installation itself.

Organisations are currently being invited to book a slot at an online support session where they can find out more information about the scheme.

The support session will take place on Thursday, November 23 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Organisations can book a 15-minute slot by emailing solar@winacc.org.uk.

Cllr Kelsie Learney, Winchester City Council cabinet member for the Climate Emergency, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with WinACC on this scheme – we know that community organisations are keen to both reduce their running costs and their carbon footprint and, through this scheme, we are able to offer a simple, supportive approach to make more buildings greener, faster.

SEE ALSO: Rural business and community groups can apply for new funding boost

“Feedback has told us that people feel unsure about who to approach for installation as well as where they can find funding, so I am particularly pleased that we can offer support to people from the start of the process right up to finish.”

Stuart Mills, Climate Officer for WinACC, added: “We know that many people see solar panels on buildings as a good response to the climate crisis, and they also save money on energy bills. This project means we can support community organisations across the Winchester district to install solar panels. By working together we can help make the process as easy as possible.

 “Our ambition is to see Winchester district generate all the electricity it needs locally, so we are no longer dependent on harmful fossil fuels that are causing the climate crisis. This project brings us one step closer to achieving this.”