Our Projects & Milestones

Since 2019, Forest Row Energy Co-op has delivered solar installations, heat pump transitions, insulation schemes, and community energy events. Here is the journey so far.

Always open
Ongoing

Support for Renewables

Our core ongoing service, helping homeowners and businesses across the area navigate solar panels and heat pumps. We carry out pre-checks, connect you with vetted local suppliers, and for members we offer consultancy time to manage your project from start to finish.

16 May 2026
Community Event

See the Future of Home Energy: Open House

An inspiring open house showcasing home energy solutions in action, giving residents a chance to see real-life solar and heat pump installations and talk to experts.

Crossing Gate, Brambletye Lane
17 April 2026
Community Event

The Heat Pump Guide: Fact, Fiction & The Future

An educational evening addressing heat pump misconceptions and exploring what the future holds for low-carbon heating in rural homes.

The Swan, Forest Row
13 March 2026
Community Event

Hands-On Workshop: Thermal Imaging & Heat Loss

An interactive workshop demonstrating thermal imaging technology and showing residents how to identify heat loss in their homes.

Forest Row Village Club
March 2026
Live

Quote Review Service Launched

Introduced a free quote review service, giving residents independent, expert checks on solar and heat pump quotes before they commit. Helping people avoid overpriced or unsuitable installations by having a trusted advisor look over the figures.

Submit a quote for review
20 February 2026
Community Event

Film Screening: POWER STATION

A documentary film screening exploring community energy and the future of local power generation, followed by discussion.

Freshfield Hall, Forest Row
6 November 2025
Community Event

Forest Row Solar Power Hour: An Honest Q&A

An open Q&A session giving Forest Row residents straight answers about solar power, cutting through the noise around costs, savings, and suitability.

Forest Row
2025
Partnership

Collaboration with Community Energy Pathways

Joined forces with Community Energy Pathways to strengthen our network and share knowledge with other community energy groups across the region.

May 2025
Launched

Vetted Suppliers List Published

FRECL published its vetted local suppliers directory, giving residents a trusted, independently checked list of renewable energy installers across the Forest Row area.

24
Suppliers listed
23
Solar PV installers
12
Heat pump installers
18
Battery storage
Winter 2022 - 2024
Completed

Let's Sort Insulation!

A community-led, not-for-profit insulation service funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Offered free Energy Performance Certificates and home assessments to households within 15 miles of Forest Row.

30+
Homes targeted
Up to 70%
Heating cost cut
15 mi
Coverage radius
Funded by National Lottery Community Fund
2020 - 2022
Completed

Renewable Heat for Rural Communities

Partnered with OVESCO to support 40 rural households moving away from heating oil to low-carbon alternatives. The associated Communiheat project explored village-scale heat network transitions.

40
Households supported
Oil to renewable
Transition target
Funded by Rural Community Energy Fund · OVESCO
May 2019 - Aug 2020
Completed

Power Partners

A Wealden-wide energy advice project targeting fuel poverty, funded by UK Power Networks. Delivered one-to-one advice, trained key workers, and produced a fuel poverty map of the Wealden district.

£11,000
Grant awarded
Wealden
Area covered
Funded by UK Power Networks
2019 - 2022
Completed

Solar PV at Nutley Hall

Multi-phase solar installation across the Nutley Hall estate, a site already running a carbon-neutral biomass district heating system.

3
Buildings with solar
Biomass
Existing heating
2019
Feasibility completed

Renewable Energy for Emerson College

A full renewable energy feasibility study for Emerson College, funded by the Rural Community Energy Fund. Phase 1 proposed solar capable of supplying 20% of the College's electricity.

20%
Electricity target
Funded by Rural Community Energy Fund
2019
Completed

Solar Power to the People

Brought solar PV and battery storage to Forest Row Community Centre, funded by M&S Community Energy Fund, PowerVault and LoCASE. Generated 3,300kWh in its first year.

3.85kWp
Solar capacity
3,300kWh
Year one
Funded by M&S · PowerVault · LoCASE
February 2019
Completed

Solar at Seasons

Installed a 5kWp solar PV system on The Seasons, Forest Row's organic store, expected to pay for itself within 10 years and produce carbon-free electricity for 25 years.

5kWp
System size
25 yrs
Lifespan
~10 yr
Payback
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