The Problem:
My electricity cost to run Castle Beach Café is now £1700 per month - this is 5x what it was when I took on the café in 2021. This is due to rising energy prices, coupled with the large electrical requirements of catering appliances.
Along with everything else going up in price, these energy costs have become detrimental in my ability to keep the business afloat. The obvious solution is to increase my prices, however I have always tried to keep the café affordable for our local community to enjoy.
The Solution:
In order to keep my business secure and the menu affordable, I would like to switch to solar energy. The café is South-facing, perfectly angled for optimum sun exposure throughout the day... it seems like the perfect solution!
We have been quoted a sum of £8950 for the PV panels to meet 1/2 of our required energy load, using the roof space available. This saves 2 tons of CO2 per year!
However, it's a bit of a vicious cycle - whilst I pay my extortionate energy bills, I cannot afford to save money for the solar panels. With my rent going up in 2025, I'm eager to get these panels fitted before then!
What we need from you:
I try to operate this business ethically: plastic-free, the real living wage, local suppliers, free music events, pay-it-forward scheme, and general kindness to all who visit us. In return, I'm hoping that the community will offer donations - big or small - to help us fund these solar panels.
Thank you in advance for your support. Emily xxx