Solar panels secure local leisure centre’s future, cutting annual energy bill by £57,000
In response to rising energy prices RiversMeet Active successfully avoided closure and significantly reduced its energy costs thanks to the installation of 528 solar panels in 2022 and 2024.
Gillingham, Dorset, based RiversMeet Leisure Centre is a not-for-profit, community-owned venue that has long served as a vital hub for local recreation and well-being.
Despite surviving two lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, the 2022 energy crisis posed an existential challenge, with energy costs skyrocketing from 11p per kWh by 800 per cent to an unsustainable 88p.
The centre, which operates an energy-intensive swimming pool, air conditioning, heat pumps, and various other equipment, only had three months before it would have to close its doors.
Renewable energy experts at Good Energy installed a 252 kWp solar panel system in two stages. This installation, which took place in 2022 and 2024 includes a total528 solar panels, 264 SolarEdge optimisers, and two SolarEdge inverters, is set to generate an impressive 253,282 kWh of clean energy each year.
RiversMeet is now saving £57,000 annually on its energy bills, ensuring its financial stability and long-term sustainability.
Additionally, the system will reduce the centre’s carbon footprint by 114 tonnes annually, aligning with broader environmental goals while securing the future of the much-needed community facility.
Thanks to the solar panels, RiversMeet can continue offering its array of essential services, including a swimming pool, gym, sports hall, café, and soft play area. These spaces provide critical opportunities for physical activity and social connection, offering a much-needed lifeline to residents across north Dorset.
For rural communities, leisure centres like RiversMeet are essential in combating isolation, promoting health and well-being, and encouraging preventative exercise — all of which are becoming increasingly important in light of growing pressures on the NHS.
Jake Parry, general manager at RiversMeet Active, said: “The solar panels have made a huge difference to our operations, helping us reduce running costs. It’s one of those things where you think: why didn’t we do this sooner?”
“Good Energy truly understood our needs and took care of everything. Their expertise made the entire process effortless for me.”
Richard Fuell, head of business development and commercial solar at Good Energy, added:
“RiversMeet Active is a perfect example of how clean technology can transform a business. It’s a win-win, providing substantial cost savings and reducing carbon emissions. We’re proud to have contributed to the continued success of this vital community asset.”
Good Energy have over 25 years of experience in renewable energy supply and recently branched out to solar and heat pump installations. As the only home B Corp supplier, Good Energy are on a mission to roll out clean technology to as many homes and businesses as possible to help people cut both costs and carbon.
ENDS
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Ian McKee / Rhiannon Barriball
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About Good Energy www.goodenergy.co.uk
Good Energy has been at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution since 1999, helping homes and businesses to generate, use and share renewable electricity.
From supplying customers with 100% renewable electricity from over 2,500 British generators, to serving over 180,000 people who generate their own clean power, Good Energy has built a reputation for supporting independent renewable generation.
Today, Good Energy also installs clean technology such as heat pumps, batteries, EV chargers and solar panels, including a nationwide commercial solar installation service. It also offers flexible tariffs for EV drivers and heat pump owners, as well as competitive export rates ensuring solar generators get paid fairly for the power they share.
Good Energy is a Which? Eco Provider for Energy, is rated 5 stars by customers on TrustPilot, and is Britain’s only B Corp certified home energy supplier.
An energy company standing up for the planet and powering a cleaner, greener future? That’s Good Energy.