🏆☀ AND THE WINNERS ARE…! 🌱💚
We’re thrilled to announce the results of our GMCR Solar Panel Competition — and we’re delighted to be supporting TWO fantastic Greater Manchester charities! 🎉
Back in February, we launched the competition, offering up to £10,000 from the GMCR Community Fund towards a solar project for a Greater Manchester charity.
After receiving some fantastic applications, our judging decision wasn’t easy. In the end, we decided to go one step further and award £15,000 in total to two organisations:
£10,000 — Caritas Salford
The funding will contribute towards a wider project at Caritas House, supporting local people experiencing homelessness and poverty.
The project includes:
☀ 50 solar panels
🔋 18 kWh of battery storage
⚡ A 24 kWp rooftop solar system
🌍 More than 17,000 kWh of clean energy expected every year
Patrick O’Dowd, director at Caritas Salford, said:
“Installing solar panels will naturally reduce the ongoing running costs of Caritas House, one of our supported accommodation sites for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester where energy is a significant and unavoidable expense. Savings made on energy will be redirected into frontline support, enabling us to help more people and respond more effectively to need. The system will also provide greater resilience against future energy price increases, helping protect services from financial pressure.
Alongside this, the project contributes to carbon reduction and demonstrates that renewable energy can be successfully integrated into buildings serving vulnerable communities, combining environmental responsibility with social impact.”
🥈 £5,000 — Brotherhood of the Cross and Star
The funding will support the installation of 32 solar panels and battery storage at their community hub in Moss Side, Manchester.
The project could generate more than 10,000 kWh of clean energy every year, helping reduce energy costs while cutting carbon emissions. 🌱⚡
Michelle Gondo from Brotherhood of the Cross and Star said:
“Installing solar panels will directly benefit the community by reducing energy costs, enabling more resources to be invested in food provision, gardening sessions, and volunteer support.
The solar installation will ensure the Brotherhood Peace Garden remains a resilient, sustainable, and welcoming resource. This will enhance both social and environmental outcomes, particularly for residents of Moss Side who are under-resourced and face multiple disadvantages, securing long-term benefits for the local community.”
💚 Solar power with a social purpose
These projects demonstrate how renewable energy can do more than reduce carbon emissions. By helping charities reduce their energy bills, we can help free up valuable resources for the people and communities who need them most.
Sarra Norcliffe-Murray, GMCR Director, said:
“These projects will help the charities reduce their running costs, meaning more money can go toward the vital services they provide to the community.”
A huge thank you to everyone who applied and congratulations to both organisations! 👏🎉
And a special thank you to our GMCR Members. 💚
It’s because of our Members investing in GMCR that we’re able to build our Community Fund and return surplus income to communities across Greater Manchester.
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