Sporting Solar Project, Sporting Khalsa Community Facilities, Willenhall, West Midlands

This project is for the installation of solar panels with battery storage at the Sporting Khalsa Community Facilities. The community hub has flourished since installing a multi-use, all-weather surface and upgrading to LED floodlights. Now used for football, cricket, netball, handball, dodgeball, fitness, meetings, and charitable events, the site welcomes 700–800 people daily, primarily from BAME and deprived backgrounds, with a 50% increase on usage during the past 18 months. Demand continues to grow, but so do energy costs. Running floodlights from 1530 to 2230 in winter and during twilight hours in summer has significantly increased electricity bills. To remain accessible and sustainable, the organisation is seeking funding to install solar panels and battery storage, reducing environmental impact and ensuring long-term affordability for its valued community users.

The project will significantly benefit a community facing high deprivation, poor health,
unemployment, weak transport links, and high levels of antisocial behaviour and homelessness. The facility is a vital safe space in the area, offering inclusive recreational activities to hundreds daily, predominantly disadvantaged and BAME. Without support to install solar panels, rising energy costs may force the facility to increase hire fees pricing out those who need it most. Installing solar panels and battery storage will keep services affordable and accessible, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, reducing isolation, and fostering resilience, confidence, and aspiration. The project will strengthen community pride, encourage positive behaviours, and help build safer neighbourhoods. Young people will develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, while others will gain employment or training opportunities through volunteering. By engaging people in positive, purposeful activities, the project will create a stronger, more connected community with shared values and greater social responsibility.