How do I find a community solar programme in my area?

Start by contacting local energy groups or searching for active share offers. Community solar programmes let you invest in or access renewable energy projects without installing panels yourself. Recent developments show over 155 MW of community solar capacity exists in the UK, with a major 2024 transfer of eight solar farms (35 MWp) to community ownership through groups like Community Energy Together.

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1. Check existing community energy groups

Visit Community Energy England’s directory or search online for local organisations. Examples include Wight Community Energy (Isle of Wight) and Gower Power (Swansea), which manage solar farms and rooftop projects. Local groups often list active schemes on their websites or social media.

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2. Look for community share offers

Many projects raise funds through public investments:

• Minimum investments often start at £50–£100.
• Recent examples: Croydon Community Energy’s £340,000 campaign for 711 panels on community buildings, or CET’s £1m+ raised for seven projects across Kent, Shropshire, and Wales.
• Platforms: Crowdfunder or dedicated share offer pages (e.g., Ethex).

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3. Explore rooftop vs. solar farm projects

• Rooftop schemes: Focus on schools, care homes, or business parks (e.g., Joju Solar’s hundreds of installations).
• Solar farms: Larger-scale, like CET’s 4.99 MW Brynwhilach site in Swansea.

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4. Key considerations

• ROI: Most projects aim for 4–6% annual returns over 20–25 years.
• Benefits: Reduced energy bills (if linked to local buildings), carbon savings, and community grants from surplus funds (e.g., Isle of Wight projects addressing fuel poverty).
• Risks: Project delays, lower-than-expected energy generation, or administrative hurdles.

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5. Recent UK developments

• Government funding: DESNZ allocated £10m to community energy in 2023.
• Policy support: The 2024 transfer of eight solar farms to community ownership shows a move toward collaborative models.

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Common mistakes to avoid:

• Assuming eligibility: Some schemes prioritise local residents.
• Ignoring timelines: Share offers often close within weeks.
• Overlooking smaller projects: Rooftop installations may offer faster, lower-risk involvement.

For immediate action: Contact your local council’s sustainability team or search “community energy [your county]” to find active programmes.