What is community-owned solar?
Community owned solar is just that. Owned by our community, not foreign or other private company operators. This means our priority is the local community – in our case the city of Milton Keynes – and that is where the profits are reinvested. Not in shareholder returns, which are capped.
The renewable assets (the solar, or any other renewable generation) sit in a company called a community benefit society. This is a member owned not-for-profit and anyone from the local community can invest in shares to join the group.
Members of the MK community that invest become members of the community energy group. This gives them a direct say; for example, in how profits are allocated or the right to stand as a Director.
Directors are elected from the members and have a maximum of 3 years on the board before having to re-stand.
Why we need it
The more community owned solar that we have, the more impact and investment we can make in our community.
We need to do both these two things – install more renewables and use less energy – to reach net zero as fast as we can.
Local, community-owned generation will help keep the costs down and keep our local supply secure.
There are other benefits of renewable energy too, not least in improving local air quality, and helping to address climate change.
Our highlights
Founded in 1981, Camphill Milton Keynes provides support and a meaningful working life for adults with a wide range of learning difficulties. Over fifty residents live together with volunteer staff in ten separate households. Together the residents, volunteers and employees form a community of over one hundred people living on several sites on the neighbouring housing estates of Pennyland and Willen Park.
Our partnership with Camphill has so far involved installing 50 kWp of solar PV on their Willen Park village, and an in-depth energy efficiency survey and recommendations. We continue to explore renewable heating options for the site.
We have installed 20 kWp of solar PV on the roof of the Stony Stratford Town Council and Library building.
We have been delighted to work with MK Community Foundation, installing 280 kWp of solar PV at their Burners Lane property in Kiln Farm. Burners Lane is home to a range of charities, social enterprises and private businesses, many of whom are keen to keep their energy costs to a minimum in order to maximise the benefit they can give back to the wider community.
Why install community-owned solar PV?
The most economical solar arrays are large (ideally over 100kWp and no less than 20kWp), simple to install, and directly connected to an organisation that uses the generated energy. This setup helps reduce costs and keep prices below market rates.
Our ideal partners are therefore commercial or community organisations with year-round energy use and a suitable roof.
We cover all capital and running costs during the agreement period, leaving you to only have to pay for the cheaper, greener solar energy you use.
How to get involved
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