November 25th 2025
At Instant Neighbour, every pound saved on our energy bills is a pound we can invest directly back into our community. It means more food parcels, more essential furniture, and more community upskilling.
With energy costs so unpredictable, we're constantly looking for smarter ways to operate.
That’s why we're exploring a powerful solution: generating our own clean solar energy and storing it with on-site batteries. This isn't just about going green—it's about building a more resilient and cost-effective foundation for our vital work.
We are thrilled to announce that we have applied to the Just Transition Fund for our project, 'Powering Poverty Relief with Renewable Energy.' Find out how you can vote for us below!
The Science Behind Solar Battery Storage
Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity using the photovoltaic (PV) effect: photons from sunlight strike semiconductor materials freeing electrons and generating an electric current. This electricity can then be used in our building, exported to the grid, or stored.
A challenge arises when solar panels generate more electricity than the building needs at that moment. Typically, this surplus is exported back to the grid, often at a low tariff, meaning the organisation misses out on the full value of the energy it has produced.
This is where battery storage systems become essential.
Modern battery systems—usually lithium-ion—store excess solar electricity by converting it into chemical energy. Inside each battery cell, lithium ions move between the anode and cathode during charging and reverse during discharge, releasing the stored energy as usable electricity. Advanced battery management systems (BMS) monitor temperature, voltage, and cell balance to ensure safe, efficient operation.
When the building’s solar panels aren’t generating—such as during evenings or cloudy periods—the battery releases this stored energy. The result is a smoother, more reliable energy supply that maximises self-consumption of solar power and reduces reliance on the grid.
Reducing Costs, Increasing Stability
For Instant Neighbour, a battery storage system is more than just technology—it's a direct investment in our community. Here’s how it would transform our operations:
- Reduce Electricity Bills: By using our stored solar power during peak times, we significantly reduce our largest overhead.
- Create Year-Round Savings: These predictable savings provide financial stability, allowing us to budget with greater confidence for the long term.
- Shield us from Price Spikes: We become less vulnerable to volatile energy markets, ensuring that sudden price hikes don't threaten our essential services.
For Instant Neighbour, this isn't just about kilowatts. The savings generated could directly translate into:
- More emergency food parcels and support for our annual Giving Tree Appeal.
- Funding for new community upskilling workshops.
- Increased capacity for our frontline staff to provide support.
This technology turns sunlight into a stronger more resilient community support for Aberdeen.
Our Hope for the Future
We are incredibly excited to have applied to the Just Transition Fund, hoping we are successful in our bid. If awarded, it will allow us to purchase our very own battery. This wouldn't just be a piece of equipment; it would be a long-term investment in our mission, ensuring more of every pound donated goes directly to helping people in our community.
Conclusion
For Instant Neighbour and other frontline charities, resilience is everything. The ability to operate through cost-of-living pressures can mean the difference between continuity and crisis. Solar plus storage provides a pathway to greater energy security—keeping essential services running.
Battery storage harnessed from surplus solar energy offers far more than a technical upgrade. For organisations like Instant Neighbour, it is a strategic investment in financial stability, environmental responsibility, and long-term operational resilience. By storing today’s sunshine, we can power tomorrow’s essential services—ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
Vote for us at: Instant Neighbour — Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund
