What if even small local councils could operate fully on renewable energy?
That’s exactly what Marchwood Parish Council did. They decided to stop relying on outdated energy systems and start building something more innovative.
With a new 22kW solar PV system and full electrification of their site, they turned that vision into reality. With solar power contributing almost 5% of the UK’s electricity mix, this was a significant step towards sustainability.
Let’s take a closer look at how they made it happen, what changed on-site, and why this project matters more than ever.
Source: Energy Oasis
Key Takeaways
- Why Marchwood went solar: The Council made the shift to solar in order to reduce rising energy costs, eliminate outdated gas systems, and lead by example in local sustainability.
- System upgrades: The site underwent a full energy transformation, including a 22kW solar PV array, stackable battery storage, a hybrid inverter, an air source heat pump, and discreet bird protection. A new 3-phase distribution board and remote monitoring system brought it all together into one smart, unified setup.
- How JME Energy helped: We designed and delivered the entire system, ensuring all components worked seamlessly. Our focus was on smart integration, clean aesthetics, and ongoing support.
The Project Site: Lloyd Recreational Grounds
Located in the heart of Marchwood, the Lloyd Recreational Grounds is a vital community space. It hosts everything from local football matches to youth club events, making it one of the most active and visible sites in the area.
As a key venue for social and sporting activities, it’s deeply connected to the daily life of residents.
Due to its role as a busy public space with growing energy needs, the Parish Council chose the Lloyd site as the launch point for its green energy initiative.
Why Marchwood Parish Council Decided to Go Green?
Marchwood Parish Council is a local governing body responsible for managing community services and public spaces in the village of Marchwood, Hampshire. When faced with rising energy costs and the growing need for sustainability, the council turned to JME Energy to help them make a full transition to green energy.
Here are the reasons why they decided to go green:
1. Escaping Rising Energy Costs
Energy prices have become increasingly unpredictable, especially for public buildings that run all year round. According to Energy UK, utility costs for such facilities have surged by over 15% since September 2024.
For Marchwood Parish Council, this meant rising expenses to operate key sites like the Lloyd Recreational Grounds. Heating alone made up a significant portion of the bill, particularly during the colder months when gas consumption spiked.
By investing in solar panels and battery storage, the council saw a way to take control, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and stabilising energy costs for the long term.
2. Outdated Systems Were Holding Them Back
Before the upgrade, the site depended on an ageing gas heating system, inefficient, costly to maintain, and no longer aligned with the council’s sustainability goals.
There was also no smart monitoring in place, meaning the council had limited insight into how energy was being used, or wasted. The problem wasn’t just the technology; it was the lack of control and visibility that came with it.
How JME Energy Helped Marchwood Go Green
Transforming the Lloyd Recreational Grounds into a fully electric, sustainable site required more than just solar panels. JME Energy designed a complete, integrated energy system that could generate, store, and intelligently distribute clean power throughout the entire facility.
| It’s not our first rodeo, as we’ve successfully completed a 16-panel solar installation before. |
Here’s how JME Energy transformed the place completely:
1. High-Efficiency Solar Panels
At the heart of the installation are 45 cutting-edge Tiger Neo 440Wp TOPCon N-Type monocrystalline solar panels. These panels are renowned for their high efficiency, particularly in the variable UK weather.
Each panel collects more sunlight and converts it into usable electricity with minimal loss, thanks to its advanced cell design. The system’s total capacity is 22 kW, which is sufficient to power the site’s key operations during most daylight hours.
2. Hybrid Inverter for Smart Energy Control
To manage the energy coming from the panels and control how it’s used or stored, we installed a GIV-3HY-20.0-HV hybrid inverter. This powerful 20kW-rated unit handles both charging and discharging.
It intelligently switches between supplying electricity to the building, charging the battery, or feeding surplus power back into the grid. This flexibility ensures the system always delivers maximum value.
3. Stackable Battery Storage for Night Use
Six stackable GivEnergy lithium-ion batteries (GIVBAT-3.4-HV) were added to store excess energy. This means that even after the sun sets, the site can continue to run on clean power.
Whether it’s for evening events, lighting, or heating during off-peak hours, the stored energy fills the gap. Additionally, it reduces the need to draw from the grid and keeps energy bills as low as possible.
4. New Electrical Distribution Board
A new 3-phase electrical distribution board was installed to ensure clean and reliable power delivery. It connects all systems, including solar, batteries, ASHP, and building circuits, into a single, streamlined network.
This board facilitates the management of energy flow across various loads. It also helps future-proof the site for potential upgrades or technological additions.
5. Remote Monitoring with GivEnergy Cloud
One of the standout features of this system is its innovative management. With GivEnergy Cloud, the Parish Council can remotely monitor everything. It includes solar generation, battery status and real-time energy usage.
It’s not just about visibility. The platform enables quick decision-making, troubleshooting, and optimisation. This ensures the system always runs at peak performance.
6. Discreet Bird Protection for Long-Term Reliability
To safeguard the solar system and maintain long-term efficiency, discreet bird protection was installed around the panels. Birds nesting underneath can cause damage over time, lead to costly maintenance, and reduce energy output due to droppings and debris.
By adding nearly invisible but highly effective barriers, the council protected the installation without affecting its appearance.
The Role of the Heat Pump: Full Electrification
To complete the transition from gas to a fully electric system, Marchwood Parish Council integrated an ASHP into the project. This was a key step in aligning energy use with their sustainability goals.
Why an Air Source Heat Pump?
Air source heat pumps are one of the most efficient and eco-friendly ways to heat a building. Instead of burning fossil fuels, they extract heat from the outside air, even in cold weather, and use it to warm the indoor space.
This choice significantly cuts down carbon emissions and ensures consistent heating. It also aligns with the UK’s broader targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
How It Works with the Solar and Battery System
The ASHP was carefully integrated with the rest of the site’s solar and battery setup. During the day, solar panels supply most of the power needed to run the heat pump. Any extra energy is stored in the batteries for later use.
Due to this smart distribution, the building can be heated even on cloudy days or after dark. The hybrid inverter balances the load. If the battery runs low, grid power is used as a backup, but only when necessary.
No more Gas Supply
With the new ASHP system in place, Marchwood was able to disconnect from its gas supply completely. This simplifies maintenance, reduces utility costs, and eliminates reliance on fossil fuels.
It’s a bold step forward in building infrastructure that’s clean, safe, and cost-effective for years to come.
Project Results: What Marchwood Parish Council Achieved
The transformation at Marchwood Parish Council’s recreational site is already producing powerful results, both financially and environmentally. From energy savings to setting a new sustainability benchmark, the project’s impact goes far beyond technical upgrades.
Let’s explore what Marchwood gained from this transformation.
1. Energy Independence through Solar Power
The 22kW solar PV system now powers the entire site’s electricity needs. With the 45 high-efficiency panels and intelligent battery storage, Marchwood no longer relies on the grid for daily operations.
The system consistently generates clean energy to run lights, heating, and equipment, day and night.
This level of independence shields the council from future energy price hikes. Thanks to battery storage, excess solar power is saved for later use.
2. Lower Costs and Less Maintenance
By fully disconnecting from gas, Marchwood Parish Council eliminated both the ongoing supply charges and the high maintenance costs of its outdated heating system. The old gas infrastructure required frequent servicing and came with long-term safety risks.
Now, the site runs on a streamlined all-electric setup that’s cleaner, safer, and easier to maintain. Most of the electricity is self-generated through solar panels, while smart scheduling via the GivEnergy Cloud ensures that stored power is used correctly.
3. Sustainable Example for Others
Marchwood Parish Council is a regional example of what’s possible. Their move to clean energy has significantly reduced their carbon footprint, turning a public facility into a climate-conscious community hub.
This case demonstrates that smart design, combined with the right technology, can future-proof infrastructure alongside saving money and reducing emissions. Other councils can look at Marchwood as a model of practical sustainability.
Why JME Energy Ltd Was the Right Partner
Marchwood’s journey to full electrification and solar power needed more than just equipment. It required a partner with deep expertise, technical precision, and an understanding of public sector needs.
That’s exactly what JME Energy Ltd delivered.
1. Proven Knowledge, Real Results
JME Energy was selected for this project because of our deep, hands-on experience in renewable energy. We’ve successfully delivered integrated systems that combine solar panels, battery storage, and air source heat pumps into one high-performance solution.
Our proven track record meant we could design a system that was not only powerful and future-ready but also practical and built to meet the community’s long-term needs.
2. Smart Design That Works Together
This wasn’t a plug-and-play job. It took careful planning to make sure each system worked together seamlessly. JME’s engineers selected components like the GIV-3HY inverter and the GivEnergy battery system. It was done to ensure flexibility, reliability, and smooth transitions between power sources.
3. Aesthetic Precision, Built to Last
At Marchwood, the visual quality of the installation reflects the same high standards as its functionality. Cables are neatly routed, panels are perfectly aligned, and all equipment is mounted with precision and purpose.
This level of craftsmanship is especially important for public buildings, where a clean, professional appearance contributes to both community pride and long-term value.
4. Support You Can Count On
After installation, the JME team didn’t just walk away. Our team provided full training to council members on how to use the GivEnergy Cloud platform for real-time monitoring and energy management.
We continue to offer dedicated support, giving Marchwood the confidence that their system is running at its best, day in and day out.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Site?
The Marchwood Parish Council is a working example of what sustainable local infrastructure should look like. JME Energy Ltd delivered a complete end-to-end solution, managing every detail from design to installation.
From the immaculate cable runs and tidy layout to the discreet bird protection and modern control systems, no part of this project was left to chance. Everything was built not just to perform, but to last.
If you’re also looking for reliable solar panel installation to lower your energy bills, JME Energy is here to serve you. We are ready to help you build your own success story.
Reach us at 07527 949 298 for 24-hour support.
FAQs
1. How much energy does the 22kW solar PV system produce annually?
On average, a 22kW system can produce around 20,000 to 25,000 kWh per year, depending on local sunlight conditions. This is enough to cover most of the site’s energy needs and charge the batteries for use during peak hours.
2. What are the main benefits of battery storage in this setup?
The six-stack lithium-ion battery system captures and stores excess solar energy generated during the day. This stored power is then used in the evenings or during low-sunlight periods, ensuring consistent performance.
3. How long will the solar system last?
The panels typically last 25–30 years, and the batteries around 10–15 years. With proper maintenance, the system will deliver decades of reliable, clean energy.
4. What does “full site electrification” mean?
Full site electrification means that all major energy systems on-site, heating, hot water, and general power, are now run entirely on electricity, rather than fossil fuels.
