Totnes Library roof goes solar as The Mansion celebrates community-funded installation

A much-loved Totnes community hub is celebrating a major step towards a greener and more financially secure future after switching on a new solar energy system on the roof of Totnes Library.

The Mansion, a charity-run centre which incorporates Totnes Library, Rainbow Nursery and a number of local organisations, has installed 77 solar panels following months of planning and community fundraising. Since late last year, the panels have been generating renewable electricity for the building, significantly cutting its energy costs.

To mark the achievement, the Mansion will host a celebration and thank-you event on Friday 23 January at 2pm, bringing together local residents, volunteers and project partners who helped deliver the scheme.

David Sprent, a former Mansion trustee and member of the volunteer “Solar Squad” that led the project, said the decision to go ahead was driven by rising costs.

“Energy bills were costing the Mansion up to £30,000 a year,” he said. “For a community building like ours, that’s a huge drain. Bringing those costs down by around a third, as we hope to, means we can look forward to a more stable financial future and continue serving as premises for vital local orgs such as the Totnes Bike Hub and Sewing Studio (formerly Mend Assembly).”

The project was funded entirely by the local community, with £32,500 raised through donations from residents, groups and businesses. Supporters were invited to sponsor individual panels and track progress as the installation took shape. No grant funding was used, which organisers say is unusual for a project of this scale.

“We set up a Blue Peter-style totaliser,” Sprent added. “Every time another panel was funded, we coloured it in. It really captured people’s imagination and helped everyone feel part of it. It’s been great to see the Totnes community come together to make this happen.”

He also paid tribute to the volunteers behind the scheme. “What’s impressed me most is the volunteers. This was a group of people who simply wanted to put their skills to work for the town and leave the building in a stronger position for the future.”

The installation was carried out by Dartington-based clean energy company Bloom Renewables, which worked closely with the Mansion team and volunteers.

Harry Williams from Bloom Renewables said: “For buildings with high energy use and plenty of roof space, like the Mansion, solar is a no-brainer. Payback is usually within just a few years, and the panels are designed to last. It’s been great working on a genuine Totnes community asset.”

As part of the January 23 celebrations, the Mansion will also unveil plans for a piece of community artwork created by its in-house pottery collective, led by Georgi Makes of Studio 2 Pottery. The artwork will feature handmade ceramic tiles displayed in the library foyer, recognising those who sponsored the panels. Donors who contributed £450 or more will receive their own commemorative tile.

“We’re overjoyed with how the project has turned out,” said David Sprent. “Bloom was fantastic to work with. And now we have 77 solar panels on the roof – one more than the Civic Hall. That’s a Totnes record!”