We are driving forward sustainability at our homelessness charity with the installation of 144 solar panels to help meet the daytime energy demands of our residential facilities, charity shops and café.
Operating at maximum capacity, the 244 square metres of solar voltaic cells could save the charity £187,350 over their lifetime, generating enough electricity in one day to power one Bolton medium-sized house for just under a week.
The project was made possible through funding from the VCSE Energy Fund, which supports voluntary, community, and social enterprise organizations in improving energy efficiency. The installation was carried out by renewable energy specialists Omega Electrical NW Limited.
The solar panels will provide an eco-friendly energy solution, which could reduce the charity’s carbon footprint by 8.67 tonnes – the equivalent of planting 398 trees – while cutting operational costs. These savings will allow Emmaus Bolton to reinvest in vital services, including accommodation, training, and support for people with experience of homelessness.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Tony, said: “The installation of these solar panels will have two huge benefits for our community. It will dramatically reduce the cost of our electricity and our reliance on energy produced by fossil fuels.
“The project could not have happened without funding from the VCSE Energy Fund. We would like to thank Omega Electrical NW Limited for all their help with designing and installing the system.”
Environmental commitment
The installation aligns with Emmaus Bolton’s commitment to the local environment and its ethos of reuse, recycling, and resourcefulness.
Gary Richardson, Director of Omega Electrical NW Limited, said: “Omega Electrical is pleased to have completed this 60 kw solar installation on behalf of Emmaus Bolton. The collaboration with Emmaus CEO Tony Stephenson and the team at Omega ensured this was completed on time and to the highest standard, allowing this exceptional charity to make valuable savings on their utility bills going forward.”
The charity welcomes visitors to its café and shops to see firsthand how the solar-powered facilities are transforming its operations. The panels are situated on the top of its furniture warehouse at the courtyard of the charity outlets off Fletcher Street, BL3 6NF.
To find out more about our other energy-efficiency measures, you can read about our new roof here.