Let there be light!

Solar panels on the church roof

THE biblical phrase “Let there be light” has never been so appropriate for one Oldham church.

Springhead Congregational is the first in the borough to install solar panels.

Oldham-based firm Greenteam has fitted 16 panels to the roof of the 200-year-old Radcliffe Street church.

It’s hoped the move will save the church £1,000 a year. Minister Elizabeth Dean said the £7,500 investment - made possible due a former member’s legacy - would bolster the church’s future and help it to continue as a community hub.

“It’s an investment in the future generations who will use it,” said Elizabeth. “It is unusual for a church to have solar panels, I’ve not heard of any others in the area.

“We run quite a lot of different clubs and activities and use electricity all day, it’s one of our biggest outgoings, so hopefully the solar panels will make a big difference.”

Church bosses hope the panels will pay for themselves in seven years and over 25 years will save the church £35,500 on power bills.


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