We are pleased to announce that a total of 67 solar PV panels have been added to the cafe roof and are producing “green” electricity. In fact, each panel is capable of generating 420 watts. The Expert Energy Group carried out the installation using a 3-phase 25kw Solis inverter which enables power to be provided to all our electrical kitchen equipment, heating and lighting.

The location, design and cafe opening hours are a benefit to the output obtained.

• There is no shading from trees or buildings, which allows the solar panels to receive maximum sunlight throughout the whole day.
• The glare from the sea also assists the solar panels to generate electricity.
• The low pitch of the roof makes it easier for the panels to absorb sunlight.
• The cafe uses nearly all its electricity during the sunniest time of the day.
• We are fortunate to be in "sunny" Clacton, which, (although we may not think it on some days) has the reputation of being one of the sunniest places in the U.K.

On your next visit to the cafe, you will be drinking your coffee heated from green electricity, knowing that it is made with energy directly from the sun. The use of solar power is, not only saving energy costs, but it also reduces our carbon footprint. This enables us to maintain lower food prices and offer a more environmentally friendly option to customers.
Helping, albeit in a small way, to assist in the global race to bring carbon emissions down to net zero is essential. We hope this will inspire others to explore renewable energy options to help the world to move towards a more sustainable future.

Why we use "Octopus Shapeshifter Trio" tariff!

We have chosen this tariff because it blends conveniently into the cafe's electrical requirements.

Our normal opening hours of 9:00 am to 3:30 pm is during the period of time when the tariff offers a cheaper rate. Shapeshifter Trio premium "Peak" rate charge is between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm; before this time period much of the electrical cooking equipment has been cleaned and switched off.
On early, sunny mornings and evenings, when we are closed, the solar panels produce more green energy than the cafe has use for. This tariff offers the opportunity to sell the surplus electricity back to the supplier at a competitive rate of 12p per kWh, thus providing additional power for other homes and businesses in the community.

Join Octopus & Get £50 Credit
If you’re looking to switch to a greener, fairer energy provider for your home or business, we highly recommend Octopus Energy. If you use our referral link to sign up, we’ll both receive £50 in energy credit (or £100 for business-to-business switches!) as a thank you. "Take a look at joining Octopus"