Category Archives: Community Energy

Trebartha Open Gardens n Hydro System


Trebartha  open the file for more info on Trebartha.

The Hydro system has been operational since December 2015. Water is taken off at the in take area on the Withey Brook, just below Hawks Tor, through a 1.2 kilometre stretch of pipe, dropping 90 metres down to the Turbine House. The turbine is a 4 jet vertical shafted pelton wheel, with a 350 kw generator. The power is fed to a high voltage transformer in the adjoining enclosure before being exported to the local WPD grid. The scheme is estimated to generate some 1,000 MWhs of energy a year – enough for some 2000 domestic properties – this could vary +/- 30% depending on rainfall.

NDP Free Big Breakfast


The event took place on Saturday 4th March from 9am – noon. The 86 visitors that attended saw exhibits from the WI, St Sampson’s Church, South Hill Piecemakers, SHARE, Justin from the NHS  demonstrating the defibrillator and South Hill Village Hall. The main attraction however, was a display of the Neighbourhood Development Plan alongside Councillors talking about the plan and our ambitions for footpaths in the Parish. The visitors were from all areas of the Parish including Golberdon, Maders, Berrio, Mornick, Trewoodloe, Trewassick, Lansugle, Egypt, Trevigro, South Hill, Bray Shop, Jericho, and  Manaton.

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SHARE – Networking and Generating Dec update


SHARE continues to work towards a more sustainable future for South Hill.  Our solar PV installations are generating well, and beginning to reap the rewards.  As you know, we are a Community Benefit Society (a “Bencom”) which means that our aim is to use profits to benefit the local community.

Since the 40kW rooftop PV array was installed at Church Park in June this year, we have now received our first payment for electricity exported to the National Grid, together with the Feed-in Tariff, and our first payment for the sale of electricity to Mark Pethick. We are happy that we have a good working relationship with Mark, who has been very patient and supportive during the development stage.

“The Role of Community Energy in a Changing Energy System”, presented by RegenSW in Exeter. The event, included presentations by representatives of several organisations . It was encouraging and inspiring to be with like-minded people from groups similar to ourselves in the South West. Tamar Energy Community (Tavistock), TRESOC (Totnes), Teign Energy Communities, Exeter Community Energy, Transition Network and more. We are not alone in our quest for a sustainable future in renewable energy.  It was also interesting and useful to chat with the business representatives present. Continue reading →

SHARE Update, April 2016


SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY HOURS:

the number of voluntary hours donated so far by SHARE’s Board and Management Committee as we work to fulfil our vision of a secure and sustainable future for all in South Hill Parish

We are now finalising a series of feasibility studies, paid for by a grant we received last year from energyshare.  A great deal of work has gone into this, not only by the SHARE team, but also Community Energy Plus (CEP) and Paul Martin of Kabin.  Within the next few weeks we will be able to present these results at a full Membership meeting.

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SHARE membership is growing fast


SHARE bannerThe first opportunity to join was at the Horticultural Show and Fun day in August. Everyone over 16 who lives, works or owns land in the parish and supports our mission to reduce energy costs and the damage to our environment caused by energy generation, is welcome to join.  25 joined on the day and a similar number have joined since.

SHAREformIf you would like to join a membership form is here.

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