Who manages community solar programmes in the UK?

Community solar programmes in the UK are typically managed by a mix of local community groups, specialist community energy organisations, and solar developers who collaborate to deliver, own, and operate these projects. The management structure often centers around community benefit societies, local councils, or partnership coalitions that enable local people to invest in and benefit from solar energy generation.

Key Managers of Community Solar Programmes

1. Community Energy Groups and Societies

These are local organisations formed by residents and businesses to develop renewable energy projects including solar. They often set up as community benefit societies (CBS), which allow members of the local community to buy shares and have a stake in the ownership and outcomes of the project.

• Example: Groups within Community Energy Together (CET), a partnership combining several community solar projects across southern and central England and Wales, manage solar farms through CBS ownership structures.
• These societies focus on ensuring that profits and benefits directly support the local area, fostering community engagement and reinvestment locally.

2. Specialist Community Energy Developers and Installers

Companies like Joju Solar have been pioneers in community solar in the UK, managing the technical development, installation, and maintenance of community solar schemes on rooftops and other sites.

• Joju Solar has installed around 10% of the UK's community solar capacity, delivering hundreds of installations mostly on commercial rooftops.
• They support community energy groups by handling grid connections, site surveys, planning permissions, and all technical aspects.
• They can also act as facilitators for commercial buildings that want solar but lack upfront funds, linking them to community groups who invest and then sell electricity via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

3. Partnerships with Social Investors and Funding Bodies

Major investors such as Big Society Capital and Power to Change back community solar initiatives through specialized funding vehicles like Core Partners. These collaborations help groups raise necessary capital and manage the complexities of financing solar projects.

• Core Partners works with community groups to bring commercial solar farms under community control, enabling local people to invest from as little as £250.
• These partnerships help community solar projects grow by pooling resources and providing financial and organisational expertise.

Recent Developments and Policies

• The community solar movement in England and Wales has been gaining momentum, with support from social impact investors and government-backed funds aimed at expanding community ownership in renewable energy.
• Over 155 MW of community solar has now been developed in the UK, combining larger solar farms and smaller rooftop schemes.
• New government and planning guidance encourages community engagement and sustainable delivery of solar farms larger than 5 MW, helping communities navigate statutory requirements and fostering good communication between developers and locals.

Practical Advice for UK Homeowners and Small Business Owners

• Get involved locally: Join or support local community energy groups to invest in or help develop solar projects that benefit your area.
• Consider rooftop solar through community schemes: If you are a business owner without funds to install solar yourself, community solar partnerships can enable you to access renewable power via PPAs without upfront investment.
• Engage early: Begin conversations early with developers or local groups to influence project design and maximise community benefits.
• Check eligibility: Community solar projects often require collective ownership structures, so find out if local CBS or energy groups are active in your region.
• Watch for offers: Some schemes allow individuals to buy shares with relatively small amounts, making investment accessible.

Pros and Cons of Community Solar Programmes

Pros	Cons
Enables community ownership and local economic benefits	Can require complex organisation and legal structures
Provides access to renewable energy without upfront individual costs	Financing and regulatory processes can be challenging
Surplus income can be reinvested locally for social or environmental projects	Project development timelines can be long
Reduces carbon footprint and energy bills	Returns on investment can be modest and long-term

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not engaging early with projects: Missing the chance to influence project benefits or design.
• Underestimating administrative effort: Community energy projects require ongoing management, legal compliance, and financial oversight.
• Lack of clear communication: Between developers, investors, and local people can lead to mistrust or project delays.
• Ignoring technical and financial advice: Expert support is essential to assess project viability and navigate grid connections and planning permissions.

Community solar programmes in the UK are managed by a dynamic mix of community groups, specialist developers, and social investors working collaboratively. This structure empowers homeowners, small businesses, and local people to participate in and benefit from renewable energy generation, helping to advance the UK’s green energy goals while fostering local resilience and economic opportunity.