Measuring long-term solar impact with Claverham CC

We sat down with Nigel Mortimer, groundsman at Claverham CC, to find out what impact their solar PV installation has had on the club twelve months on.

First up - who are you and what’s your role at Claverham CC?

I’m Nigel Mortimer, and I’m the groundsman. I’ve been involved with the club since 1972, and celebrated our centenary in 2005.

What made you start looking into solar PV in the first place?

We started investigating solar energy when we saw grants were available from the Somerset Cricket Foundation. It was an obvious thing to do - to create free electricity and help the planet.

How did you first discover UES and what made you go ahead with the installation?

We came across UES when we started looking into the grant situation through the Somerset Cricket Foundation. They came out to visit, looked at our site, and did a full projection of our anticipated costs and savings.

We then applied for a grant, and they helped us understand the whole process. We’re glad to have gone ahead with the installation because it’s been very good so far.

How was the installation process?

The installation process was brilliant. The scaffolding went up, and the guys turned up every day on time to get the work done.

I chatted with them during their downtime and lunch breaks - I remember one of the chaps was really into his motorbikes.

Yeah, it was great. Everything was easy. They showed up on time, locked up when they left, and there were no problems at all.

What impact have you seen since the solar system went live?

I checked with our treasurer yesterday, and our monthly direct debit is at zero - we're on free electricity now.

Yeah, it's great. We're saving money, and our carbon footprint has improved, too.

What’s been the reaction from visitors?

Members and visitors are very pleased that we’re saving money. Visitors often say, “Oh, I see you’ve got solar - how did you go about it?” We tell them we went through the Somerset Cricket Foundation and got a grant to help towards it.

If the grants are available, go for it. You’ll save money, and it’s very easy to do. There’s no disruption to the club, especially if it’s done out of season. Even if it’s done in season, you’re probably only looking at about a week of work.

Would you recommend UES to any other clubs or organisations?

I would definitely recommend UES. The job went without a hitch - the guys turned up on time every day and finished when they said they would. The scaffolding went up smoothly, and there was no mess at all. All good!