Chapmanslade Village Hall - Solar Project

Installation of roof mounted PV panels, battery storage and hybrid inverter
to provide electrical resilience for the hall as this has been designated [via the Parish Council] as the emergency hub for our community so an assured supply of electricity is imperative,
Energy reduction as this is the highest part of our operating costs and in turn will comply with the Climate Strategy [2022] of Wiltshire Council – including reference for public and community buildings, and to enhance the ambient environment within the hall for user comfort as there is no installed ventilation and high humidity levels are causing deterioration to the internal fabric of the building [localised ceiling mould and localised uplift to our quality wood floor].
Our initial community mandate for undertaking far reaching improvements to the Hall and its facilities [as opposed to simply strategic maintenance] arose from Villager opinion in the 2002 “Community Action Plan” questionnaire prepared by the community of Chapmanslade together with executives from the West Wiltshire District Council, and which encompassed many facets of life within the village.
A further Community Consultation, the “Voice of the Village” initiative conducted in 2018 resulted in a comprehensive Parish Plan that again incorporated desired improvements to the Village Hall that remains the primary community & social focal point.
In 2024, the Parish Council prepared a detailed Emergency Plan centring on the Village Hall as the designated Emergency Hub under the Wiltshire Council Emergency Contact hubs scheme. Power resilience is essential for such a Community Hub, and given no oil or gas at the hall, its only means of power/heat etc is electricity. The loss of the mains supply line to the village for many hours during in the mid-Winter storms [the line crosses overhead on the busy A36 truck road through a cutting to the N-E of the village highlighted the need to ensure energy [i.e. electrical resilience].
Once the project is completed, the Committee will focus on making the community aware of these facilities as well as encouraging new start up clubs, events, sessions etc. Committee members have already identified some members of our community who may still feel isolated or lonely and plans are underway to establish a regular meet up at the hall which would be minimal cost to the users and hopefully establish long term friendships and connections for these villagers. With much reduced energy expenditure, this will afford the Committee flexibility to offer hire discounts for any groups that relate to “community well-being”. We keep detailed records of all hires and being able to compare user numbers and demographics “before and after” will be straightforward.
The Committee plans to celebrate the successful completion of the project by hosting an “opening event” free to the Community, and which will showcase the technology installed and the intended benefits to its users.