Backwell & Cleeve Community Energy Group

Backwell & Cleeve Community Energy Group (BCCEG) was set up to help local people and community organisations reduce carbon emissions and save money, with a particular focus on renewable energy as a catalyst for change.


 Backwell & Cleeve Community Energy is working towards a future where our energy is locally generated, locally owned and low carbon; with the value of our energy economy being retained locally. With community energy schemes popping up all over the UK, we think it’s time for Backwell and Cleeve to get involved. 


Our goals are:


  • To help build awareness and knowledge in Backwell and Cleeve and shape a transition to net zero transition which is locally determined, appropriate for our needs and maximises local benefits 
  • To provide the locally-rooted expertise needed to help homes, businesses and community organisations on their journey to net zero
  • To facilitate access to funding including grants, loans and community investment 


We are a new organisation exploring how we can best help local households, community organisations and businesses. Please complete our community survey to help us shape the future of Backwell & Cleeve Community Energy. If want to find out more, or you’ve got ideas and time to help please get in touch.




What is BCCEG aiming to do?

In 2024 Backwell & Cleeve Community Energy secured a grant from the Community Energy Fund (CEF) for a study to  assess the potential for solar PV on eight community buildings.  


The following buildings have been included in the study:

  • Ashton & Backwell United FC
  • Ashton & Backwell United Junior FC
  • Backwell Parish Hall
  • Backwell Scouts
  • Backwell Tennis Club
  • Backwell Women’s Institute
  • West Backwell Bowling Club
  • Rainbow Nursery
  • Backwell Community Club

How are BCCEG going to do this?

We are partnering with community energy specialists CfR CIC to do the feasibility work which will include:


  • Assess the solar potential for each building
  • Grid connection feasibility
  • Organise local installers to provide quotes and carry out structural assessments where required
  • Financial feasibility assessment, including potential energy cost and carbon savings
  • Assess options for raising the funds required, and work out who is best positioned to own and manage the solar arrays, be it the community organisations themselves or Backwell and Cleeve Community Energy


We're aware that not all of these buildings will be suitable, but we're aiming to deliver as many kilowatts as possible. We hope from this first round of solar PV on community buildings we can kickstart a revolving low carbon fund for Backwell and Cleeve.


Please get in touch if you would like your school or community building included in future feasibility assessments.

Can you help?

We’re eager to hear from Backwell and Cleeve residents to help shape our community energy efforts and initiatives. Your ideas, interests, and local knowledge are invaluable as we develop projects that promote sustainability across energy, transport, food, and nature. Share your ideas with us!


Please complete our community survey to help us better understand local needs and co-design the future of Backwell & Cleeve's journey to net-zero.

Community Survey

BCCEG Projects

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