On 20 April 2026, the first rollout of the new Community Solar Foundation (CSF) course reached completion following its launch in January 2026. The course was created to give people a practical, foundational understanding of how community solar works – enabling participants to become effective local agents of change and help bring new rooftop solar projects into their communities.
Developed through the experience and delivery knowledge of Big Solar Co-op, the course focuses on practical action rather than policy. Learners are supported to build the skills and confidence needed to help identify, develop and progress real-world community solar opportunities. The course was initially soft-launched at the Big Solar Gathering in October 2025 with existing Big Solar Co-op volunteers from across the UK.
Positive feedback and plans for rollout 2
Feedback from participants in the first cohort has been extremely positive. The course development team has already identified opportunities for refinement and enhancement ahead of the second rollout, which will run from September to December 2026.
The core structure and delivery model will remain the same, while updated content and additional detail will reflect the fast-moving nature of the community solar sector. The first rollout was made possible through core setup funding from Westmill Solar Co-op and Younity. Their support enabled the project team to work with subject matter experts to develop the initial course and enrol a cohort of more than 30 learners.
A diverse first cohort
Participants in the first cohort came from a wide range of organisations across the community energy, voluntary, education and sustainability sectors, including:
Course aims
The Community Solar Foundation Course is designed to provide participants with a solid grounding in community solar development and support them to begin practical work towards new solar installations. Drawing directly on the delivery experience of Big Solar Co-op, learners receive instruction in the use of OpenSolar live solar design software and begin working on real or notional project sites during the course itself. By the end of the programme, participants should feel confident approaching potential solar hosts and supporting projects through the early stages of development, with appropriate ongoing support.
Who the course is for
The course is aimed at people willing to commit time towards getting new solar projects built in their communities. While primarily designed for volunteers, it is also relevant for those working in paid roles within community energy organisations. No prior technical knowledge is required.
The course provides a broad introduction to community solar development, including:
- Introduction to community energy, solar technology and the energy market
- Business models and registered societies
- Financial analysis and funding sources
- Legal agreements and insurance
- Solar design
- Grid, planning and structural issues
- Site finding and approaching potential solar hosts
- Understanding and quantifying impact
- Ongoing operations of solar projects
How the course is delivered
The collaborative three-month programme combines flexible self-directed learning with live support and peer collaboration through:
- e-learning modules completed in participants’ own time
- live online seminars
- peer and trainer support through an online forum
- coursework based on developing a real or notional solar project
Participants also gain access to:
- dedicated written and video learning resources within the EQUAL Learning Management System
- solar design and site assessment tools through the Open Solar platform
- an online student forum for collaboration and support
Register your interest for September 2026
The second rollout has so far received funding from Westmill Solar Co-op, the Energy Learning Network and the EQUAL platform have supplied their LMS services at a discounted rate. Their support will enable the continuation and further development of the course and the creation of bursary funded places for a sizeable proportional of the next cohort of learners.
Expressions of interest are now open for the second rollout of the Community Solar Foundation Course, starting in September 2026.