Congleton Solar Powers Up Havannah Primary School With Second Major Installation

Congleton Solar is proud to announce the successful completion of its second major solar panel installation, this time at Havannah Primary School in Congleton.

This marks another step forward in the group’s mission to tackle climate change locally while reducing energy costs for the community.

Congleton Solar, a not-for-profit volunteer-led initiative, is part of the wider Dane Valley Community Energy Group. Financed by local shareholders, the organisation uses any surplus income to support local good causes, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability.

This latest installation follows the group's successful Congleton Hydro project at Havannah Weir, which has already generated over 900 megawatt-hours of green electricity in under three years and donated £15,000 to local charities and community initiatives.

The solar panels at Havannah Primary were installed by B-Eng Group and are now fully operational. The school will benefit from clean, renewable energy at a 25% discount on its usual electricity rate – with no upfront cost, ongoing maintenance, or insurance fees.

On 23rd May 2025, Sarah Russell MP joined representatives from Congleton Solar, B-Eng Group and the school to celebrate the successful installation.

Sarah commented:

“Congleton is extremely fortunate to have the incredibly skilled and dedicated volunteers from Dane Valley Community Energy driving sustainable energy projects in our area. It’s great to see the benefits to local children from this collaboration, which is typically forward-thinking of the Havannah team, and I was so impressed by the initiative taken by their school. Raising this achievement of theirs in Parliament recently was a proud moment for me. I hope many other local schools will take part”

All of this has been made possible through Congleton Solar's innovative model: the school provides a 25-year lease on the roof space and agrees to buy the solar electricity at a discounted rate. At the end of the contract, the school can choose to take ownership of the panels or have them removed.

Mrs Williams, Headteacher of Havannah Primary School, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:

“Now that the solar energy system at Havannah Primary School has officially opened, we are thrilled to share this exciting development with our pupils and parents. This initiative marks the beginning of a journey to help our children become more energy-conscious and understand the positive impact solar power can have on both the environment and our planet.”

“We were delighted when Congleton Solar approached us with this opportunity. From the outset, we worked closely with Paul, David and the wider Congleton Solar team. Their guidance, regular updates, and collaborative approach made the whole process smooth and manageable. We are truly grateful for their dedication and proud to now be generating our own clean energy on-site.”

David Mason, Chair of Congleton Solar, commented:

“We’re excited to see our second installation completed and especially proud to be working with Havannah Primary School to educate and empower the next generation about renewable energy. We’re not just lowering carbon emissions – we’re investing in our community’s future.”

Congleton Community Solar is actively seeking new partners – schools, businesses, and organisations – that use at least 50 megawatt-hours of electricity annually and have suitable roof space.

If you’re interested in switching to affordable, local green energy, visit: 

www.congletonsolar.co.uk

Pictured - Left to Right: Rob Ditchfield (B-Eng Group Director), John Sherwood (Chair of Governors) Paul Williams (Congleton Solar), Sarah Russell MP, David Mason (Congleton Solar), Matthew Bradley (School Governor) Stefanie Williams (Head Teacher) Debra Ball (Business Manager).