Sedgley church installs solar panels to power café and community hub

A well-attended church in Sedgley has decreased its carbon footprint and reduced the burning of fossil fuels by installing solar PV panels and a battery storage system.  

St Andrew’s URC and Methodist Church in Bilston Street can now generate its own renewable electricity to power not only the worship area, but also its community café and multiple meeting rooms used by the church and external organisations throughout the year.  

The funding for the project came from a variety of sources, with Enovert Community Trust awarding a grant of £20,000 through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF).  

The Elders at St Andrew's URC and Methodist Church said: “St Andrew’s Church is grateful to Enovert Community Trust for funding the installation of solar panels at its premises.    

“The project was initiated by a longstanding church member who sadly died shortly before it came to fruition, but the solar panels are now a visible and practical testament to our church’s commitment to caring for God’s Creation, using the earth’s resources wisely, and integrating our concern for environmental issues into the whole of our church life.”  

The church is very active in the community, operating a pre-loved shop and a café which is staffed by volunteers four days each week, open to all.  The church also provides a fortnightly cooked lunch for lonely, isolated or aged persons in the local area. Its facilities are used by a wide range of local groups, including uniformed Scouting organisations, baby and toddler groups, and keep fit classes.  

Angela Haymonds, Trust Manager of Enovert Community Trust, said: “St Andrew’s is a shining example of a real community church and the trustees were very pleased to support the solar project, to enable members of the church to continue providing the vital services that they do.”