Helping parish and town councils reduce energy costs, strengthen community assets and develop a practical long-term energy strategy.
A practical approach to community energy
Local councils and community organisations face increasing pressure to control running costs, protect valued local facilities and meet environmental commitments.
Solar panels, battery storage and EV charging can all play a part. But the right starting point is not the technology. It is understanding how energy is currently being used, where money may be being wasted and which opportunities could deliver the greatest benefit for the community.
Stratford Energy Solutions works with councils and community organisations to assess buildings and facilities, identify viable energy projects and develop a clear, evidence-based route forward.
Our aim is simple: to help communities reduce costs, improve resilience and retain more of the value generated by their local energy assets.
Start with a free Community Energy Review
Our free initial review helps identify opportunities across community buildings, facilities and other local assets.
Community centres and public halls
Sports clubs and pavilions
Council offices and operational buildings
Youth centres and facilities
Churches and places of worship
Local businesses and other community partners
Recreation grounds and car parks
We consider current energy use, operating costs, building suitability and future requirements to help establish where further investigation could deliver meaningful results.
Understanding the opportunities
01 Where are energy and money being wasted?
We assess current energy consumption, operating patterns and existing infrastructure to identify potential inefficiencies and opportunities to reduce costs.
02 Which buildings could generate or store energy?
We can assess the potential for:
- Rooftop or ground-mounted solar
- Battery energy storage
- Electric vehicle charging
- Smart energy controls
- Future electrification
- Improvements to existing renewable energy systems
Every recommendation is based on the building, its energy profile and the way it is actually used – not a generic technology package.
03 Is funding or grant support available?
Community energy projects may be able to access grants, feasibility funding or other forms of financial support.
Where appropriate, we can help councils understand the available routes, prepare the technical information needed to support applications and explore alternative funding models.
04 Can the project make financial sense?
Before recommending an installation, we produce clear projections that can include:
- Expected capital costs
- Energy and cost savings
- Estimated payback
- Cash-flow implications
- Carbon reduction
- Lifetime financial benefit
This gives councillors and stakeholders the information they need to make a considered and defensible decision.
05 How could the wider community benefit?
Well-designed energy projects can deliver more than lower electricity bills.
The benefits could help protect important community facilities, improve long-term resilience, support local services, create new income opportunities or release funds for other community priorities.
Droitwich Methodist Church
Discover how Droitwich Methodist Church cut energy costs and carbon emissions with a 11.9kWp commercial solar and battery storage system.
“Stratford Energy were very helpful and listened to what we were trying to achieve. They designed a package to meet our needs and went above and beyond to help make our project a success. From the initial contact through to the workmen on site and office staff to help with contract set up, everyone was polite and helpful. The install was carried out in such a way that we were able to continue with our groups meeting on site. We would have no hesitation in recommending the team.”
From assessment to delivery
Stratford Energy Solutions can support the complete journey from the first conversation through to long-term operation.
1. Community Energy Review
We review local buildings, facilities, energy use and potential opportunities.
2. Energy plan and priorities
We identify the strongest projects and recommend a practical order in which to explore them.
3. Feasibility and business case
We undertake more detailed assessments and develop the financial, technical and environmental case
4. Funding support
We help identify suitable funding routes and provide the technical information needed to support applications.
5. Project design and delivery
Where a project proceeds, we design and install a system tailored to the building, its users and its long-term requirements.
6. Monitoring and ongoing support
We can continue to monitor performance, maintain assets and identify opportunities for future optimisation or expansion.
Talk to our community energy team
More than a one-off installation
Community energy assets should continue to deliver value throughout their working life.
Stratford Energy Solutions can provide ongoing support including:
- Remote system monitoring
- Performance and asset optimisation
- Annual inspections
- Maintenance and servicing
- Battery optimisation
- Warranty management
- Carbon and performance reporting
- Independent tariff guidance and optimisation advice
- Future expansion planning
This provides councils with a knowledgeable long-term energy partner rather than leaving them to manage increasingly complex infrastructure alone.
Community energy designed around local priorities
No two communities, buildings or energy projects are the same.
Our independent approach means we are not tied to one manufacturer or a predetermined package. We select appropriate technology from established suppliers and design every system around actual energy consumption, practical site requirements and the outcomes the council wants to achieve.
We are known for thoughtful system design, careful installation and responsive ongoing support. Our role is not to pressure councils into purchasing equipment. It is to provide clear evidence, honest guidance and technically sound solutions.
Keeping more energy value within the community
Every pound spent on imported electricity leaves the local community.
Generating, storing and managing more energy locally can help reduce that outflow, protect community organisations from future price volatility and create greater control over long-term energy costs.
A single successful community project can also become a visible local example – helping residents, organisations and businesses understand what renewable energy could achieve for them.
Not sure where to start?
Community energy can appear complicated, particularly when funding, planning, technology and multiple buildings are involved.
Our free Community Energy Review provides a straightforward first step. We will help you understand the opportunities, answer your questions and identify whether further investigation is worthwhile.
No obligation. No pressure. Just practical, informed guidance from an experienced local energy team.
- 15+ years’ experience in solar and renewable energy
- 4,000+ installations
- Independent technology selection
- Local, friendly specialists
- Professional installation and ongoing support