Quarterly update on Heart of England Community Energy’s performance and community impact.
Performance update
This quarter's solar energy generation was 2.21% below the expected target (P50 projections). April had the lowest output, producing 1,600 MWh, which was 9.62% below the projected average due to unusually bad weather. However, June was the best month, generating 2,121 MWh, which was 4.76% above target. Overall, the sites performed well, with no major technical issues affecting energy generation during the quarter.
2. Community Impact
Crafty Lunch Club C.I.C
Heart of England Community Energy’s £5,000 grant to The Crafty Lunch Club CIC has been a game-changer, enabling the group to expand its services and support adults with learning and physical disabilities.
The group used the grant to double their hiring space, invest in craft materials, meals, and specialist equipment, making their activities more accessible and enriching. In addition to their beloved craft sessions, the club introduced exciting new activities like karate and dance, adding extra fun to their weekly meetups.
This grant has allowed the team to host 30 sessions and benefit 1,350 participants, along with 71 carers. Without this support, the club would have had to limit numbers, but instead, they have created a warm, inclusive, joyful environment with one member calling it "the best day of my week" and carers celebrating the sense of community and fun it brings. This grant has helped build friendships, boost confidence, and bring joy to everyone involved.
HECE remains committed to funding CASW, ensuring support reaches those who need it most. We do this through two key avenues: funding their grants administration team and providing a hardship fund.
Citizens Advice South Warwickshire (CASW)
Between April and June this year, HECE's funding covered 75% of the hours worked by CASW’s grants admin team. This support directly facilitated the distribution of 61 grants, totalling over £11,100, for essential items such as white goods, clothing, and food vouchers.
In addition, we approved another £7,500 for CASW's hardship fund in May. This fund helps individuals facing financial challenges, by providing vital items like fridge/freezers, washing machines, cookers, and food vouchers. Through this partnership, HECE are making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.
SolarAid
In September 2023, SolarAid received a £7,000 grant from HECE, continuing our support for the Mayi Walas (Shining Mothers) programme in Malawi. This initiative trains women to become solar entrepreneurs, helping them bring affordable and sustainable energy to the poorest and most remote communities.
As a founding partner of the programme, HECE has played a crucial role in enabling these women to scale their solar businesses. With the support of HECE’s funding, there are now 143 active Mayi Walas groups in Malawi. They have sold 9,179 solar lights, improving access to clean energy for over 45,000 people.
It’s truly remarkable that solar energy generated from HECE's community solar farm is funding solar energy access in Malawi. HECE has increased its funding for the coming year to £20,000, supporting the highest-performing Mayi Walas groups to ‘graduate’ and offer solar home systems on a pay-as-you-go basis to their communities.
3. Looking after our wildlife
New Homes and Fresh Clean for Our Birds and Bats!
An ecologist recently visited our solar farm and was pleased with the overall condition of our bird and bat boxes but suggested a few improvements. We were quick to act, and during a follow-up visit on August 21st, here’s what we did:
Installed two new starling boxes.
Replaced an old bat box with a brand-new one.
Gave several boxes a good clean, and we were happy to find signs of past nesting.
Cleared away vegetation around bat boxes to help encourage bats to use them.
These changes will make the site even more welcoming for wildlife. Thanks for your support in helping us create a better home for birds and bats!
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