Over the past decade, I’ve seen the renewable energy landscape evolve in extraordinary ways. From ambitious offshore wind farms to sleek urban solar installs, the pace of change has been incredible. But there’s one movement in particular that I believe holds tremendous power to transform how we generate and consume energy here in the UK: community solar co-operatives.
These grassroots initiatives are about more than just clean electricity. They’re about giving people power—literally and figuratively. They represent a shift away from centralised energy control and towards a more democratic, localised system where communities play a direct role in their energy future.
The Rise of Community Solar
Community solar is, at its heart, a simple concept. Instead of individual households installing their own solar panels (which can be costly and logistically tricky, especially for renters or flat-dwellers), a group of people band together to invest in a shared solar project. The energy generated is then either fed into the grid, with financial returns shared among members, or directly used by the community via local supply models.
We’ve already seen impressive success stories across the UK. From the Brixton Energy Solar projects in London to the Egni Co-op in Wales, community solar is proving it can deliver clean energy, social impact, and strong community engagement. These projects aren’t driven by giant corporations, but by neighbours, local schools, charities, and councils who want to make a difference.
Democratising Energy: Why It Matters
One of the key reasons I support community solar is its ability to democratise energy. For too long, the UK’s energy system has been top-down—controlled by a handful of large providers and investors. Community co-operatives turn that model on its head. They allow ordinary people to become stakeholders in the energy system, with a voice and a vote in how things are run.
This creates a stronger sense of ownership and accountability. When people are involved in producing the energy they consume, they’re more likely to understand the system, advocate for sustainability, and adopt energy-efficient habits. The environmental benefits are clear, but so too are the social ones: skills training, local job creation, and increased resilience for vulnerable communities.
Overcoming Barriers
That said, this movement isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles community solar faces is access to upfront capital. While the long-term returns can be solid, getting a project off the ground requires investment—and not every community has the resources to make that happen.
Another issue is the complexity of regulation. The energy market is still geared toward large-scale commercial operators. Licensing, grid access, and supplier agreements can be overwhelming for smaller co-ops. In my view, the government needs to do more to create a policy environment that supports local energy generation—simplifying bureaucracy, offering financial incentives, and providing clearer guidance for community groups.
A Role for Business Leaders
As someone who has spent years building teams and businesses in the renewable energy space, I feel strongly that private sector leaders also have a role to play in supporting the community energy movement. That doesn’t mean co-opting it—it means partnering, mentoring, and offering infrastructure and expertise where it’s needed.
For instance, clean energy companies can help by offering discounted materials, technical support, or access to software that helps track and optimise generation. Solar installers can collaborate with communities rather than compete with them. And we can use our platforms to help raise awareness, bring in investors, and advocate for the policy changes that will allow community projects to thrive.
Personally, I’ve been inspired by the creativity and commitment I’ve seen from these co-ops. It reminds me why I got into renewables in the first place—not just to innovate, but to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. If we’re serious about achieving net-zero, we need every tool in the box. Community solar is one of the most powerful tools we’ve got.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Energy Future
There’s something incredibly empowering about seeing a rooftop filled with panels knowing they were put there by the people who live and work beneath them. It signals a shift from being passive consumers to active participants in the clean energy transition.
The beauty of community solar is that it scales. A single school or housing estate can make a start—and then inspire others to follow. Before long, you’ve got an entire borough producing its own energy, reinvesting profits into local initiatives, and building a stronger, more connected community.
Neville Voss has long been an advocate for decentralised energy solutions, and I believe now is the time to embrace this revolution fully. With smart policies, public support, and a willingness to collaborate across sectors, the UK could become a global leader in community energy.
Final Thoughts
The energy challenges we face aren’t just technological—they’re social, political, and economic. Community solar addresses all of these by putting people at the centre of the solution. It’s about giving power back to communities, in every sense of the word.
We have a unique opportunity right now to reshape the way we think about energy. Let’s not waste it. Let’s support our neighbours, our schools, our local leaders—and help them light the way to a fairer, greener future.