AN Ilkley Scout and Guide Group is leading the charge in the war against climate change with an astonishingly successful campaign to achieve net zero in their headquarters’ carbon use.

The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout and Guide Group staged a successful fundraising appeal to raise £18,000 in November and have now installed solar panels on the roof of their group headquarters.

Ilkley Gazette: The solar panels at The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout and Guide Group's headquarters

This not only allows them to power their own premises but they are also putting electricity back into the national grid, effectively meaning the group has achieved net zero with their carbon footprint.

The charitable organisation’s scheme was brought to fruition thanks to donations from individuals and businesses in the community.

These included Ilkley Town Council Green Space & Sustainability Fund, Clip & Climb Ilkley, the Guides and Brownies, and a large number of individuals and families.

A spokesperson for the group said: "This system enables us to self-use the solar power generated when the headquarters are in use during daylight hours, charge the two batteries with solar power during the day and use the power at night, and export excess power back into the grid for use by the wider community.

“We are very proud to be able to use our roof to generate renewable energy and lower our carbon footprint as well as engage Scout and Guide groups on sustainability initiatives, build resilience to their power supply and importantly be part of the wider community action to mitigate climate change.

“Solar panels will also reduce the energy bills allowing us to invest more into young people and activities.”

Ilkley Gazette: The solar panels at The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout and Guide Group's headquarters

Over the past three months the group has generated 3.17 Mwh of renewable energy and saved more than two tonnes of carbon.

On average they will generate 39kWh of renewable energy per day. Around 21% of this will be used directly in the property, another fifth will be used to charge the battery for later use and the remaining 59% will be exported to the grid, effectively making the headquarters net zero in operation.

The HQ was assessed by Arup as part of work for Scouts UK and the group was provided with an assessment and road map to get to Net Zero. The group has self-funded a number of initiatives to reduce their energy consumption including LED lights and motion sensors as well as good insulation and double glazed windows.

The group worked with P4 Solar to design a system that maximised the solar output of the roof, sought to capitalise on pay-back periods and export opportunities - all while always being conscious of budget and operational constraints.

A spokesperson for P4 Solar added: “Recognising the significance of this endeavour, P4 Solar was eager to contribute to the betterment of the Group and its surroundings.

“This successful collaboration between P4 Solar, Ben Rhydding Scout & Guide Group, and supporting partners, exemplifies the transformative potential of solar energy and battery storage solutions in community settings. Thanks to the installation, the Scout & Guide Group have now planted 100 trees in Madagascar as part of P4’s Plant a Tree Campaign.”

The system was installed and comprises: 38 x 430W solar panels with optimisers and racking system; 2 x 5.8kWh battery installed in the roof space; 10kW hybrid inverter; associated cabling and connections.

It is anticipated that the system will recoup the costs of installation after just four years.

The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout & Guide Group is one of the largest Scouting and Guiding groups in Yorkshire with over 250 young people active in the various sections. This includes Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. Their Scout Hut is also used by other community groups including the Moortime Special Needs Support Group.