Solar boost for Llwydcoed Community Centre thanks to Pennant Walters funding

A popular local community hub is set to cut its energy bills and reduce its carbon footprint thanks to a funding boost from local energy company, Pennant Walters.

The renewable energy company has provided £14,400 to Llwydcoed Community Centre to install solar panels on the building’s roof, helping the centre become more energy efficient and financially sustainable.

The centre, situated at the Welfare Ground, is not alone in facing rising energy costs in recent years, but now that the new solar photovoltaic (PV) system has been installed it will generate clean electricity on site, lowering day-to-day running costs and allowing more of the centre’s income to be directed back into community programmes.

Ashley Lewis, Chairperson at Llwydcoed Community Centre, explains:

“As a committee we have been working hard to improve the centre, whilst taking measures that will decrease our running costs well into the future.

“This funding is fantastic news for us and the community we serve.

“It’s no surprise that energy costs have been a real concern, and we have seen our energy bills jump vastly, so installing solar panels will make a huge difference, The savings will help us protect the activities and services people rely on, and it’s a positive step towards making the centre more environmentally friendly.”

The funding comes from Pennant Walters’ community fund linked to its Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm, a 9-turbine, 22MW project located near Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf. It forms part of Pennant Walters continued support for community and environmental initiatives across the region, as the company’s commitment to investing locally.

Harry Llewellyn, Operations Manager at Pennant Walters, said:

“Community centres like Llwydcoed’s are at the heart of local life and we’re proud to support this practical project which will help reduce energy bills, improve sustainability and ensure the centre can continue serving local residents for years to come.”

Pennant Walters’ support reflects its ongoing commitment to investing in local communities and backing projects that have a positive and lasting impact.

Pennant Walters is a renewable energy development company with its head office in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and is part of the Walters Group. The Group has developed, built and now operates six wind farms and solar developments in South Wales, generating a total of 127MW of clean energy — making it Wales’ largest home-grown renewable energy developer.