We’re beginning the wrap up of a busy and highly productive year at Big Solar Co-op. Before we head off for a festive rest, we wanted to share some of what has been achieved with the help of our Volunteer and Investor Members this year in figures. Perhaps the most impressive of which is that collectively we now OWN 7 large solar rooftop arrays across the UK!
So, a factory, a hotel, an office block, a hardware store, a GP surgery, a primary school and a food processing plant are already benefitting from Big Solar Co-op owned clean, green solar energy – totalling around 1.2 megawatts (MW) per year. And this week scaffolding went up on the last install of 2024, a Midcounties Co-op retail store in Copthorne, Shrewsbury. That’s definitely something to celebrate as the year draws to a close!
This picture shows things getting started at the Speech House Hotel in the Forest of Dean, on a dull winters day. But with around 153 solar panels on the roof now, they are set for their busy wedding season next year through the sunniest times of the year and boosting their existing green policy.
The story so far…
We can’t wait for the next round of installs to get underway in January and are expecting to deliver around one, possibly two per month through 2025 – if the funds keep coming in to do so! The potential for carbon saved if we install all the agreed projects should be around 500 tCO2e in the first year of operation alone. There are 11 more installs for the Midcounties co-op lined up for 2025 and many other projects in the pipeline too.
Each new install that is added to the Big Solar Co-op portfolio improves the investment offer for existing Investor Members and makes it more attractive for new investors. Which is great news all round as continued funding is crucial to keep this process going – it feels like we are really hitting our stride and delivering on what we set out to do!
Want to invest?
In joining us you’ll be in good company: we have over 530 Investor Members from all over the UK who have collectively invested over £1.4 million and already collectively own 7 solar rooftops. You can buy any amount from £100 to £100,000 and we aim to pay a fair rate of interest – our target rate is currently 6.75%. Check out the Buy Shares page For all the details about the share offer and impact your investment will have.
Each month, we run a live online event to provide updates and a presentation of the community shares concept. Anyone is welcome to register – even if you have been before. The next one will be on Tuesday the 21st of January at 12:30.