Solar panels and battery storage are now providing more than 75 per cent of the power used by the Kingsley Centre.

In an area suffering frequent power cuts the panels and storage also mean the centre can keep the village shop fridges and freezers running, keep lights on and ensure accessible toilets and coffee shop plug sockets remain usable.

And between April and June the panels saved the centre putting 1,455lb of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Jane Kincaid, executive manager of The Kingsley Organisation, said: “This funding has made a real difference. We can now stay open and support our community when it matters most.”

The battery inverter is the manufacturer’s first of its kind in Europe. The system includes an app tracking energy use and solar power generation, helping the centre monitor carbon savings and efficiency.

It was installed with the help of an £8,000 grant to The Kingsley Organisation from East Hampshire District Council’s Community Climate Action Fund.

Cllr Robert Mocatta - East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and prosperity, which includes climate and the environment - said: “Power cuts in rural areas can mean that organisations like the Kingsley Centre need to keep or hire generators on site so that they can stay open.

“With this project, they have installed a system that makes them energy independent and provides a resilient resource for Kingsley residents when the power goes down.

“It’s a great example of a Community Climate Action Fund project and I hope it will inspire others to apply when the scheme reopens.”

The Kingsley Centre hosts a nursery, angling club and the parish council, and offers space for wellbeing sessions, clubs and business meetings. The charity behind it supports disabled people, building their confidence, independence and work skills through its shop, post office and coffee shop.

The Community Climate Action Fund will reopen on September 12, offering grants of up to £20,000 for climate-related projects.