We are passionate about community energy. Join us in our quest to transform the UK with a community energy revolution - from solar power to people power!

 

As the people behind Britain’s first 100% community-owned PV power station, as well as the first community solar installation on social housing, we have seen how the revolution is possible when we all work together. We are proud of our pioneering work enabling towns and communities to harness the sun’s – and each other’s – energy.

 

If you are looking for people-centred ways to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy poverty in your area, there are two ways to make your goals a reality…

 

Set up a community energy company

 

Setting up your own locally-owned renewable energy services company, or ‘ESCo’, is a powerful way to give everyone a stake in energy generation and ownership. We have helped establish lots of community companies using public share offers to successfully raise the funding for the scheme, as well as providing a safe, ethical investment to local people. 

We can:

 

 

• Advise you on setting up your Esco;

 

• Help with the legal requirements;

 

• We cannot run a share offer, however we can help advise;

 

• Develop and design a solar project;

 

• Project manage the installation;

 

• Support you with public consultations, presentations and information events.

 

 

Set up a bulk-buy scheme

 

Do you know groups within your community who want to switch to solar for their home or business? By setting up a discounted bulk-buy scheme with solar installers you can all save by joining together. We currently run these schemes in several towns across England and Wales. Usually, the process is one that needs a certain degree of joint promotion. We can support in this with talks and presentations, attending events, and assistance with PR and marketing.

 

Why Southern Solar?

 

We are recognised as pioneers in community solar. This year, we were thrilled to be one of three finalists for the prestigious 2012 Micropower Connecting Communities Award receiving a 'highly commended' award, while our MD, Howard Johns, won Microgen Champion of the Year. Howard is a leading voice in community solar and a tireless campaigner, who helped found the Ouse Valley Energy Services Company OVESCo in 2007.

 

We are also a member of many forward-thinking community groups across England and Wales, including Leominster Community Solar, Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon, Low Carbon Hook Norton, Cyswllt Peterston Connect, Transition Tring and Repowering South London. It is an honour to work with people that are so passionate about their communities and about improving their environment.