Investing in community owned renewable energy projects

Community energy projects are happening all over the country. Community energy groups, set up as registered societies for the benefit of the community, raise funds through share offers to install renewable energy projects, most commonly Solar PV.

They usually aim to pay 2-6% annual interest for 25-30 years, each group has slightly different small print so you should read their share offer documents carefully. Many groups use any extra income from renewable generation to support fuel poverty and energy efficiency work in their areas. Definitely a worthy cause in my opinion!

Community Energy England has a list of live share offers here: https://communityenergyengland.org/pages/share-offers

For example, award winning South East London community energy is currently in the process of raising £260k to install solar panels on four sites in SE London. See https://selce.org.uk/se-solar/invest/

  • Projected 3% return on investment

  • Sites will generate 217,326kWh of clean green electricity and reduce CO2 by 80 metric tonnes annually

  • £40,000 of surplus will be used to expand their work reducing fuel poverty in London

This will support St Luke’s Church in Downham, Thamesmead and Coldharbour Leisure Centres in Greenwich and The Aluna Moon Clock to access low cost, carbon saving solar electricity.

Take a look and see what you think!

1 Like

Thanks Locky! :+1:

I’ll be speaking at their event where they are looking to raise funds this Thursday.

Will start another Topic on it so everyone can see.

Will be promoting the fundraiser on my channels.