A number of us are working on starting a community energy scheme within Chelmsford, along the lines of REPOWERBalcombe and Green Energy Nayland.
Community energy schemes typically provide free electricity to those willing to host an installation and pay 5% annual dividends to investors. Many operate as social enterprises, investing a percentage of profits into alleviating energy poverty or arranging work experience for local people.
We’re looking to build a core group of founders capable of getting this project off the ground. This is likely to involve:
Community energy schemes typically provide free electricity to those willing to host an installation and pay 5% annual dividends to investors. Many operate as social enterprises, investing a percentage of profits into alleviating energy poverty or arranging work experience for local people.
We’re looking to build a core group of founders capable of getting this project off the ground. This is likely to involve:
- Formation of a legal entity and drawing up a constitution;
- Identifying and securing a suitable site for a commercial size solar installation;
- Obtaining planning permission;
- Drawing up contracts and negotiating with suppliers;
- Securing financial investment, perhaps from within the group itself, the wider community or institutional investors.