Solar panels have been installed on the Dhammakaya Meditation Centre Newcastle, marking another key milestone in the transition of the former vacant St. Andrew's Church in Hebburn into one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the UK. Scene supported the monks through a lengthy planning process with South Shields Council to develop a proposal which contributed as much renewable energy as possible while preserving the heritage value of this Grade II Listed building.
By locating the panels in a discrete location on two recent extensions on the south of the building, and integrating battery storage into the design, the system will meet over 25% of the annual electricity demand for the site and has a payback period of less than 3 years, reducing emissions from imported electricity by 1.8 t/CO2e every year. Without Permitted Development Rights, even a relatively straightforward solar PV installation can be challenging, requiring both time and resources to address all planning issues to satisfaction. However, the 7 months it took to secure planning consent is negligible within the 25+ year operational life of the system.
As well as providing planning services without cost as a charitable donation, Scene supported the process of identifying a suitably qualified local supplier who could undertake the work. We worked with Sustainable Energy Engineering, who provided an excellent service in developing the installation design in a sensitive way to address the planning condition and undertaking the installation and commissioning in an efficient and courteous way to minimise site disruption.