New solar and battery system helps Kingsley Centre stay open during power cuts with support from our Community Climate Action Fund (CCAF).
The Kingsley Organisation was awarded £8,000 through the Community Climate Action Fund towards the installation of solar panels and battery storage at the Kingsley Centre. This upgrade means the centre can continue serving the community even during power cuts.
The Kingsley Centre, located in a rural area, is not connected to mains gas and is therefore reliant on electricity for power. Power cuts are common in the area and the centre now has a system that can keep essential services going in emergencies. This includes keeping the village shop’s fridges and freezers running, maintaining lighting and their accessible toilets, and ensuring plug sockets in the coffee shop remain usable.
So far, the Kingsley Centre reports that the panels have been providing more than 75% of the power that the centre uses and have saved 660kg of CO2 from April to June.
Jane Kincaid, Executive Manager of Kingsley Organisation, said:
“This funding has made a real difference. We can now stay open and support our community when it matters most.”
The battery inverter used in the installation is the first of its kind in Europe from its manufacturer. The system also includes an online app that tracks energy use and solar generation, helping the centre monitor its carbon savings and efficiency.
Why it matters
- Keeps vital community services running during power outages
- Supports disabled residents with accessible facilities and safe spaces
- Demonstrates how local climate action can deliver real, practical benefits
Councillor Robert Mocatta, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Prosperity (which includes climate and environment) at East Hampshire District Council, said:
“Power cuts in rural areas can mean that organisations like the Kingsley Centre need to keep or hire generators on site so that they can stay open.
“With this project, they have installed a system that makes them energy independent and provides a resilient resource for Kingsley residents when the power goes down.
“It’s a great example of a CCAF project and I hope it will inspire others to apply when the scheme reopens.”
The Kingsley Centre is more than just a building—it’s a hub for village life. It hosts a nursery, parish council, angling club, and offers space for wellbeing sessions, clubs, and business meetings. The charity behind it supports disabled people to build confidence, independence, and work skills through its shop, Post Office, and coffee shop.
This project is a shining example of how CCAF funding can empower communities to take climate-conscious action with lasting impact.
The CCAF will open on 12 September 2025 for grants of up to £20,000 for climate-related projects.