Mountain Rescue Base in Lancashire Achieves 94% Energy Self-Sufficiency with Solar and Battery Upgrade
A Mountain Rescue base in the Forest of Bowland has achieved over 94% energy self-sufficiency following the installation of a solar and battery system delivered by Green Shield Group.
The Smelt Mill base, operated by Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue, sits within a protected National Landscape and supports volunteer-led emergency response across remote terrain. As a charity reliant on fundraising, the organisation sought to reduce energy costs while improving the sustainability of its operations.
Following a carbon audit, on-site renewable energy generation was identified as a key opportunity to reduce emissions and extend the building’s working life. Green Shield Group designed and installed a tailored solar and battery system to match the site’s highly variable energy demand.
Battery storage was central to the solution, allowing the site to draw on stored energy during periods of low generation or peak demand, reducing grid dependence and strengthening energy resilience.
Keith Gillies, spokesperson for the Mountain Rescue team said:
“By reducing our energy costs, this system allows us to direct more of our funds towards our core charitable work. As an organisation committed to protecting the outdoors, it’s important that we also play our part in reducing carbon emissions.”
Delivering the project within the Forest of Bowland required careful navigation of planning requirements specific to protected landscapes. Green Shield Group managed this process end-to-end, coordinating approvals and technical delivery across all project stages.
Clive Hutchinson, Installations Manager at Green Shield Group said:
“Renewable energy has a real role to play for organisations operating in isolated or environmentally sensitive locations, not just for sustainability, but for financial strength too. By combining solar with battery storage, we designed a system built around the site’s usage habits to maximise value over the long term.”
The Mountain Rescue team is now exploring further sustainability measures, including improved insulation, smart heating controls, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Green Shield Group delivers renewable energy and sustainability solutions for commercial and public sector organisations across the UK, helping clients reduce costs, cut carbon, and build long-term energy resilience. For more info, please visit www.greenshield.group or email info@greenshield.group.
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