New pioneering guide to battery storage for community halls.
Pioneering battery blueprint boosts community halls
10th February 2026
Important Cumbrian-backed research has led to the UK’s first comprehensive guide to battery storage for village halls.
The new publication could not only benefit around 330 community buildings across the county but influence nationwide thinking on a technology bringing energy resilience, reduced carbon and lower costs.
Commissioned by ACTion with Communities in Cumbria (ACT), An introductory guide to battery storage for village halls has been written by Dr Freya Wise, from the University of the West of England, and is expected to act as a blueprint for Britain’s rural areas.
ACT’s CEO Lorrainne Smyth explained the document provided clear, practical advice which would help people understand whether the option was right for their building and how to maximise benefits.
She added: “Interest is rapidly growing and we already have around 50 community groups keen to explore further. A small number have had the equipment installed.
“As many of our halls are ageing and under pressure from rising energy costs, the need for clear, independent guidance is critical.
“Battery systems typically cost between £5,000 and £20,000. While savings can reach several hundred pounds a year, the guide makes clear benefits are not just financial.
“Warmer, more energy-efficient halls can be used more often, generate additional income and significantly reduce carbon emissions, helping safeguard their long-term future.”
Dr Wise said batteries were a powerful tool rather than a silver bullet and not suitable for every hall,
“In the right circumstances they can make a real difference and are an important part of the toolkit for decarbonising and electrifying community buildings,” she explained.
“Energy use can be shifted from one time to another, reducing costs by storing electricity when it’s cheaper. They also cut carbon emissions, make better use of renewables like solar panels, and provide limited power during outages.”
She added village halls were seen as “lighthouse projects”, demonstrating what is possible and encouraging wider community action on climate change and energy resilience.
The guide has already been shared nationally through Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and other organisations with very positive feedback.
You can find the guide here