Local organisations have been taking advantage of the sun to reduce their energy bills.
You might not immediately associate the Ilkley area with solar power generation, especially after the winter we have just experienced, but there is a long and growing list of local sporting, community and other organisations that have taken advantage of the compelling economics of using free energy from the sun to reduce their bills.
Climate Action Ilkley say the figures have made sense for some time now, as the cost of solar panels has fallen dramatically – every doubling of production over the past 50 years has cut the price by nearly 24% - and the case will be even stronger after the latest spike in the costs of fossil fuels caused by the U.S. war on Iran.
As well as saving money, these organisations are also motivated by the desire to reduce their contribution to the climate-changing greenhouse gases that are emitted when fossil fuels are used, making the use of solar energy a win on both fronts.
The latest local sports club to go down this route is Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club (ILTSC), home to the prestigious annual Lexus Ilkley Open, a regular part of the Lawn Tennis Association’s professional grass court season. The Club’s solar panels were installed in March this year and it is predicted that the total cost will be recovered in less than six years, from the annual electricity savings of around £20,000 (more if energy prices increase) and deliver returns of over £0.5 million in the expected 25-year life. It is likely that 80% of the energy generated will be used on site, with the remaining 20% exported to the grid.
Discussing the benefits of the project, Gavin Sutcliffe, General Manager of ILTSC, said:
“We wanted to get our solar panels in place for two reasons – environmental and economic. We were coming to the end of a long-term electricity purchase contract, and we were facing a significant increase. We were also keen to reduce the Club’s carbon footprint, partly because this is something our members have told us is important and also to work towards the sustainability aspirations of the LTA, who have set carbon footprint reduction targets across the whole grass court season of international events.”
Both Ilkley Cricket Club and neighbours, Olicanian CC, have installed solar panels on their clubhouses in the last 18 months, again with a keen eye to reducing costs and the strain on their voluntary funding. Ilkley CC also have plans to introduce a “solar roller” to replace their current diesel machine for maintaining the wicket. It will be electric powered and charged from the free solar energy harvested by the Club’s panels and stored in its linked batteries.
Ilkley’s Rugby and Bowling Clubs and Ben Rhydding Hockey Club are three further examples of local sports clubs benefiting from renewables and have had their systems for longer – since 2024 and 2018 for the Rugby Club and Hockey Club, respectively. Derek Richards, Treasurer of Ilkley Rugby Club said that, in addition to wanting to reduce energy bills, the Club’s investment decision was also based on a “desire for a greener world and a recognition that climate is changing”. The Hockey Club added an air source heat pump in 2020, and current committee members say they are grateful for the foresight of their predecessors, which has avoided the club incurring significantly higher energy costs when energy prices subsequently ballooned.
The Ben Rhydding Scout and Guide Group and Wharfedale Scouts ‘Curly Hill Campsite and Centre’ both have solar generation and battery storage and have positive stories to tell from their experiences. They have each halved the energy they buy from the grid and are exporting the excess.
St John Fisher & Thomas Moore Church in Burley in Wharfedale had its solar panels and batteries installed in late 2022 for “ethical, economic and environmental reasons” that were supported by parishioners and approved by the parish council and are also in line with the Diocese of Leeds’ Environmental Policy. Like others, the Church has more than halved the amount of electricity it purchases, and the cost savings are expected to mean that the investment will pay for itself in six years.
Completing the current list of solar leaders in and around the town are the Clarke Foley Community Hub and Ilkley Cinema.
Using a mix of predicted figures for the newer installations and actual experience for those in place for longer shows that the total energy generated each year will be around 240,000 kWh. Purchased from energy companies, that amount would cost approximately £60,000 and involve the emission of 42 tonnes of greenhouse gases. Putting these figures in perspective, the amount being generated is equivalent to the yearly consumption of nearly 90 average UK homes and the emissions avoided are the same as taking 22 family diesel cars off the road.
An additional benefit to this boom in renewables is the creation of local jobs. Two companies that have been involved in several of the projects in and around Ilkley are P4 Solar and Leeds Solar. Peter Maddocks, founder of P4, estimates that his company have installed approximately 1,500 panels in the Ilkley area, with the figure growing every week. This level of activity has created four local jobs in the last year, with plans to add a further three to the team by September.
Leeds Solar carried out its first Ilkley solar PV installation in 2011, with dozens added in Ilkley and surrounding areas since, with activity ramping up after 2020 after offering discounts to members of local charity, Climate Action Ilkley.
While the organisations mentioned have raised the funds for their solar systems in a variety of ways, including member/parishioner donations, local and national grants, sponsorships and specialist financing packages, what is consistent for all those who have commented is that they see the money spent as a sound investment. For them, the sun is always shining in Ilkley, whatever the weather.
Bookmark Project celebrates major milestone
Plans for Addingham's most chaotic and hilarious day of the year
Former cop turned comedian returns to King's Hall
Clarke Foley announces ‘Wellbeing Month’ in May
Entries for Ilkley Triathlon 2026 open on Friday
Ilkley butcher brings home the bacon
Charity football match to return to honour teen
London Marathon success as local runners raise more than £10k for The Principle Trust
Ilkley charity’s volunteer wins special award
Ilkley Veterans Breakfast Club celebrates fourth anniversary
Countdown to Ilkley Carnival begins!
Lidl includes Ilkley on 'wish list' for new store
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appeal as fuel costs soar
Burley Jolly Wombles win 'SuperStars' at Litter Free Award
Ilkley campaigner with ME/CFS launches ‘Move for ME’ to raise £10k
Ashlands Primary unveils plans for new outdoor play experience
Ilkley Fire Station is holding an Open Day in July
Ilkley's longest running pre-school closes for good
Volunteers recognised in Local Litter Free Awards
Rugby4Respite raised over £7k for The Principle Trust
