Parish of Brentford Hails Benefits of Community Energy Fund
Grant has enabled installation of solar panels at St Paul's Church
At the Indian Gymkhana in Osterley, teams on a pitch illuminated by new energy-efficient lights. Picture: Hounslow Council
September 12, 2025
The Parish of Brentford has praised the impact of Hounslow Council’s Community Energy Fund after using a previous grant to install solar panels at St Paul’s Church.
The scheme, which has now entered its fourth round, is offering community groups across the borough the chance to apply for a share of £150,000 to help cut carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and lower running costs. Grants of up to £40,000 are available per project.
Quentin Bradley, speaking on behalf of the Parish of Brentford, said the solar installation had already delivered clear benefits.
“Everyone at the Parish of Brentford is very grateful to Hounslow Council for awarding us a Community Energy Fund grant to support our solar panels installation at St Paul's Church,” he said.
“The solar panels have reduced our energy bills, which has in turn allowed us to reinvest those funds into supporting our communities. The Climate and Strategic Programmes team members were very friendly and responsive, and they supported us through the whole application process.”
The fund is open to voluntary organisations, tenants’ and residents’ associations, and faith and equality groups, including those taking on energy projects for the first time. Examples of eligible schemes include retrofitting community buildings with insulation, installing double glazing, upgrading to LED lighting, fitting solar panels, and introducing carbon-friendly heat pumps.
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said the fund was helping to secure long-term benefits for local organisations.
“Our community organisations provide an invaluable service to our residents here in Hounslow, and that’s why I’m so delighted to be launching the fourth round of this vital funding,” she said.
“Whether you're planning to retrofit a community hall, install solar panels, or transform heating systems, this is your chance to make a lasting impact.”
Other recipients of previous rounds include the Indian Gymkhana in Osterley, where hockey teams now play on a pitch illuminated by new energy-efficient floodlights made possible through the scheme.
The Community Energy Fund is financed through carbon offset contributions from developers and, for the first time this year, through direct resident investment via the Hounslow Green Investment programme.
Applications for this latest round are open until 9 December 2025.
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