Our solar energy generation project aimed to generate our own renewable power to enable our WEEE/AATF facility in Llandudno Junction to test all donated and preloved electrical domestic appliances; thereby minimising our overheads and enabling us to keep the end product keenly priced for our predominantly low-income customer base.

The support for this project from the Gwynt y Môr Community Fund has made a hugely significant contribution to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Crest’s white goods reuse operation, and our capacity to provide quality, low cost, refurbished white goods to the community; particularly those on low incomes. The savings made in terms of energy consumption costs were forecast to be favourable at the time we planned the project; however, with the recent rising energy / living costs, the project has been vital in keeping Crest’s operational overheads low in these challenging times.

Since completion of installation, we have seen an average reduction in mains electricity consumption of 81%; this varies considerably due to a combination of weather conditions and power consumed. We have recently carried out some additional insulation work to further reduce our energy consumption.

Furthermore, the Gwynt y Môr investment in our project enabled us to confidently invest in the recruitment of 3 additional WEEE staff, resulting in increased productivity within the WEEE department, producing more refurbished domestic appliances for the benefit of the community. Sold with a 12-month warranty, each item sold represents excellent value for money compared to purchasing new. Sales have been steadily increasing as the cost-of-living crisis bites deeper are we are receiving ever increasing referrals for white goods for individuals / families in crisis from partner support agencies, housing associations and local authorities.

Since the project started, we have increased our capacity to process appliances by 34%. As we improve our processes, we believe that an increase of 40% is achievable.