THERE were celebrations all round, as a community project to install solar panels at Malvern Cube was completed.

The completed project, undertaken by The Malvern Community Energy Co-operative, resulted in 120 panels installed on the roof of the social club after 60 people donated funds to the co-operative to install them.

The project was launched around 18 months ago, with the 60 people each donating £500 each, to reach the £30,000 target.

Town mayor Julian Roskams, who was present at the celebrations last Friday, said: "This is a really good news story of local people committing themselves to a community based renewable energy scheme.

"Not only is this helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cutting Malvern's carbon footprint, but it has also fostered a stronger sense of community responsibility for such goals, and for making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all."

The work was completed on Friday, September 5, and the panels have already generated around 2,000 kilowatt-hours of energy since, and will continue to do so for another, estimated, 20 years.

It is also estimated the panels will reduce the Cube's electricity costs by half.

Jon White, manger of the centre, said: "We massively appreciate the support from everybody who helped with this project, and for their kind donations. Everyone involved with the cube is very grateful to them.

"The panels are a massive help as they keep our costs down, which is always welcome, as it helps us keep the building and going.

"The panels look very smart too."

The Energy Co-operative is looking for a new roof to install more panels in Malvern.

If interested in the project, email info@malverncommunityenergy.org