A BOWLS club in Somerset has shown two fingers to the cost of living crisis by installing solar panels on its roof.

The viability of the Isle of Wedmore Bowls Club could have been put at threat by rising energy costs, with an average daily output of 60kw spent on powering and lighting two full size indoor bowls rinks every day of the week.

However, in December 2023 the club commissioned the installation of 120 x 400kw solar panels on the roof of the clubhouse along with two large storage batteries, with the new system becoming operational at the beginning of 2024.

Over its first three months in use, Club Captain Peter Gower said 'the financial benefits are compelling.'

"We have been monitoring its performance and efficiency on an hourly basis identifying when we use solar, battery and grid energy," he said.

"However, the results of the first three months operation show a remarkable reduction of energy use from the grid.

"We are currently showing usage as 24% from the grid, 47% from solar and 29% from battery.

"This project of course represented a substantial outlay of funds for our club but we see this forming the cornerstone of our journey to be a carbon neutral organisation and vital to secure our future for the benefit of the local community."