Whitchurch Silk Mill installs new solar panel system

Whitchurch Silk Mill, once powered by a waterwheel, has installed a solar energy system with support from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Business Investment Fund.

Sue Tapliss, director of Whitchurch Silk Mill, said: "We are delighted to complete this project.

Whitchurch Silk Mill has installed a new solar energy system. (Image: Whitchurch Silk Mill)

"The waterwheel is a powerful symbol of the mill’s past and its longstanding relationship with sustainable energy.

"Installing solar panels allows us to honour that heritage while taking a meaningful step forward in reducing our carbon footprint.

"We are extremely grateful to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Business Investment Fund for making this possible."

This latest improvement marks a return to renewable energy for the mill, which was originally run by a waterwheel powered by the River Test.

The river powered the mill’s machinery from the early 19th century through the 20th century.

The new solar panels, installed on the roof of the Mill Shop and Café, will provide clean electricity for the site and are expected to save between £2,000 and £5,000 a year.

The mill plans to reinvest the savings in marketing to boost visitor numbers and raise the profile of the heritage site.

The project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which aims to support the UK Government’s mission to kickstart economic growth by investing in three priority areas: communities and place, local business, and people and skills.

The solar installation is part of the mill’s larger commitment to sustainability, financial stability, and the responsible care of its Grade II* listed site.