Bath & West Community Energy (BWCE) have launched Community Solar 2020, a new programme to install free, community owned solar power on commercial and community buildings in Bath & North East Somerset and surrounding areas, including Bradford on Avon, Corsham, Trowbridge and Marshfield. Depending upon roof suitability BWCE will raise the money, install the system, own and maintain it. The solar generated electricity is then sold to the building owner at least 10% cheaper than the grid, thereby cutting both costs and carbon emissions. Business owners and staff will get the chance to invest in BWCE and earn an annual return of up to 4% and surplus income will go into a Community Fund for local environmental projects (£155,000 donated so far).
BWCE Managing Director Pete Capener said:
“The primary mission of BWCE is not to make money but to reduce local carbon emissions. Since our inception in 2010 we have installed solar power equivalent to the annual demand of 4,000 homes on schools, public buildings and at our ground mounted solar arrays. We believe that Community Solar 2020 offers a great opportunity for anyone concerned about the climate emergency to do something practical to reduce emissions, cut costs and increase the amount of community owned renewable energy”
For more details, including guidance on roof suitability and a short survey to express interest, go to www.bwce.coop/community-solar-2020,