Thanks to support from Llŷn AONB we were recently able to purchase new battery storage systems to directly support two groups of residents. The systems previously installed were unreliable, expensive to maintain, and offered little in the way of power to support anything further than the most basic needs such as wi-fi, and a fridge.

The new systems utilise the same Solar PV generation as before, but now almost none of the power generated from the sun’s rays is being wasted as we have plenty of battery capacity to store it for when it’s needed most. Generators don’t need to be run as often (if at all) and we don’t need to travel around the island to charge power banks – making the island more resilient and sustainable.

Additionally, we were able to install a new battery storage system to make our residents wifi provision significantly more reliable and secure throughout the long, darker winter months. This private wifi provision (for residents, volunteers and emergencies only) has been set up thanks to the voluntary work of Paul Sandham, with a huge amount of assistance and support from Connor Stansfield and Steve Stansfield. This battery storage update was also supported by Dr Noel Bristow, a specialist in renewable technologies. Across the island our small renewable energy systems are the result of years of careful testing and tweaking by volunteers like Mark Crane. This project has been a great opportunity to elevate the work of volunteers, whilst also providing significant improvements to residents and volunteers through reliable energy systems that mean we can run electric fridges and charge equipment.

None of this would have been possible without the support of Llŷn AONB and our excellent volunteers. We’re also grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for funding Owen Rickards role of Buildings Conservation Manager, with Owen leading on the design and installation of this work and liaising with specialist volunteers.

We’re already hearing about the huge difference this is making to the everyday life of those who live and work on Enlli.