
Be part of a sustainably powered community
How would you like to cut your property’s carbon emissions through a reliable electricity supply that will protect your home against the huge price hikes by major energy companies? Through the power of the sun and with the support of BHESCo (Brighton and Hove Energy Services Co-operative), homes in Preston Park could soon be generating their own clean energy that doesn’t cost the earth – with no upfront cost to residents.
Did you miss the Preston Park Community Energy launch event on 27th February? You can watch BHESCo’s ceo Kayla Ente’s introduction to the project here and Howard John from One Zero outlining the benefits of being part of a solar project like this.
The benefits of locally
produced energy
Lower energy bills
- By tapping into locally generated solar power, you’ll enjoy competitively priced electricity and long-term protection from rising energy prices.
- Even if you already have solar panels, you can participate and benefit financially by feeding your surplus energy into the grid.
Reduced carbon footprint
- Switching to solar energy helps combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Being part of a greener neighbourhood will inspire others to join the clean energy projects elsewhere in the city and the country.
An inclusive and resilient community
- Any property with a suitable roof can play a crucial role by hosting solar panels. This shared approach offers potential for everyone in the Preston Park area to benefit.
- Revenues from the project will be reinvested back into the community, supporting initiatives like tackling fuel poverty and promoting energy efficiency.
- By generating and using local solar energy, we reduce our reliance on large, centralised energy providers and create a more resilient and energy-independent neighbourhood.
Hopscotch Nursery all set for solar panels
Hopscotch Nursery on Bavant Road is likely to be among the first in the neighbourhood to join the solar project, having worked with BHESCo in the past.
They made the following statement on working with BHESCo: “At Hopscotch Children’s Nurseries, we look for ways to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient environment for the children in our care. Working with BHESCo has been a fantastic experience. Their expertise and dedication have helped us make meaningful improvements to our buildings, reducing energy costs while enhancing comfort for staff and children alike.
What has stood out was BHESCo’s commitment to practical, community-focused solutions. They took the time to understand our needs and provided clear, actionable steps to improve efficiency. Their support is definitely helping us lower our carbon footprint. specifically through changes to our buildings.
Richard, our main point of contact, was easy to reach, proactive, and is extremely knowledgeable. He has clearly been focused on what is best for us, taking the time to find solutions that genuinely suit our needs — something that isn’t always the case with contractors and suppliers. Furthermore, he helped us navigate what can be quite a complex area, one that often puts people off due to the red tape and bureaucracy involved. His guidance has made the whole process far more accessible and achievable.
I’d highly recommend BHESCO to anyone looking to make their buildings more sustainable. Their passion for community energy projects is inspiring, as is their desire to help Brighton & Hove residents and companies achieve their sustainability goals in an achievable and meaningful way. Needless to say, we already have further projects planned with them in the future.”

Working together to make a difference
The potential for local energy production in the Preston Park area is huge, but we need your help to make a solar powered community a reality. Whether you’re a resident, a local business, or an organisation with roof space to spare, there are ways for everyone to participate. You can:
- Sign up to take part in the project
- Become part of the steering group
- Help spread the word
- Come along to our next community meeting

Preston Park Community Energy featured in BHESCo’s February newsletter

Learn how BHESCo is developing affordable, local, clean energy
January 2025
BHESCo want to help neighbourhoods across Sussex develop their own community solar power systems.