Killinghall Village Hall’s £27,000 upgrade to cut energy bills

Killinghall Village Hall has installed solar panels and upgraded its lighting in a bid to cut energy bills and reduce its carbon footprint.

The improvements were delivered by Harrogate-based energy consultancy Energy Oasis, with support from National Lottery funding.

The project includes a roof-mounted solar panel system, expected to meet around 50 per cent of the hall’s electricity demand, alongside energy-efficient LED lighting, destratification fans to improve heating efficiency and upgraded emergency lighting.

An energy audit was also carried out to identify ways to reduce consumption and improve the building’s efficiency.

The £27,018 project is expected to save an estimated £2,493 a year through solar power and LED lighting, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 2.8 tonnes annually. The estimated payback period is six years.

The destratification fans are also expected to help reduce heating costs by distributing warm air more effectively throughout the hall.

The work was formally handed over to the village hall on earlier this month when representatives from Energy Oasis met with the committee to mark its completion.

Mike Kaye, founder and director of Energy Oasis, said: “Installing solar PV will allow the hall to generate some of its own electricity, helping to improve energy resilience and deliver long-term financial benefits.

“Ultimately, it's about helping to ensure the building can continue serving the community for generations to come.”

Meryll Castle, chairperson of Killinghall Village Hall, thanked Mr Kaye and his team for their work, praising their professionalism and ability to carry out the improvements around the hall’s scheduled events.

She said: “We look forward to reaping the benefits of our new system.”

Energy Oasis, founded in 2013, works with organisations across the UK to reduce energy costs and consumption and increase the use of renewable energy.