Learner impact summary 2026

Overview
The Community Solar Foundation (CSF) Course was developed to build the knowledge, confidence and capacity needed for individuals and community organisations to participate in the development of community-owned solar energy projects. Feedback from the first cohort demonstrates that the course has successfully achieved this aim, equipping learners with a strong foundation in community solar while inspiring greater engagement in the clean energy transition.

Participants ranged from complete newcomers to experienced community energy practitioners. Despite this diversity, feedback showed strong agreement that the course provided valuable learning, increased confidence and strengthened understanding of both the technical and social dimensions of community solar.

Key outcomes

Increased knowledge and understanding
Learners from the first cohort consistently reported significant gains in their understanding of community solar, including:

• The history and evolution of community energy in the UK.
• The role of community-owned renewable energy in decarbonisation.
• Technical, financial, legal and governance considerations involved in developing projects.
• The practical process of taking a project from site identification through to operation.
• The social value and community benefits generated through local ownership models.

Many participants highlighted that the course helped them understand not only how solar projects work technically, but also how they create long-term local economic and social value.

Improved confidence and capability
A strong theme throughout the feedback was increased confidence. Participants reported feeling better equipped to:

• Assess opportunities for community solar development.
• Understand project viability and risk.
• Engage with potential project hosts and stakeholders.
• Use industry tools and interpret technical information.
• Contribute more effectively within community energy organisations.

While many learners acknowledged the difference between theoretical understanding and practical delivery experience, most felt the course had provided a robust platform from which to take the next step into real-world projects.

Building capacity for community-led climate action
Participants recognised community solar as an important mechanism for reducing carbon emissions while generating local benefits. Several learners described feeling motivated to become more actively involved in projects and community energy initiatives following completion of the course.

The course therefore delivered more than knowledge transfer alone; it helped build the confidence, motivation and capacity needed for future community-led climate action.

What learners valued most

Several aspects of the course were consistently highlighted as particularly valuable:

Technical learning
The most frequently cited area of interest was the technical content, including solar system design, project feasibility and use of design tools. Learners appreciated gaining practical insight into how viable projects are assessed and developed.

Whole-project perspective
Participants valued understanding the complete project lifecycle, including technical, financial, legal and governance requirements. This holistic approach helped learners see how multiple disciplines combine to create successful community energy projects.

Context and history
Many learners praised the inclusion of the wider history of community energy and renewable energy development. Understanding how the sector evolved helped contextualise current opportunities and challenges.

External resources and further learning
Links to additional reading, case studies and supporting resources were viewed as highly valuable. Learners appreciated opportunities to deepen their knowledge beyond the core course material.

Opportunities for development

Feedback identified several areas where future iterations could further enhance impact:

Greater emphasis on practical application
The strongest development theme was a desire for more practical, real-world examples. Learners requested:

• End-to-end project case studies.
• Worked examples of financial modelling and project economics.
• More examples of legal and contractual documentation.
• Additional opportunities to apply learning in realistic scenarios.

Increased interaction and peer learning
Many participants expressed interest in more opportunities for live engagement, including webinars, drop-in sessions and peer discussions. Learners felt that additional interaction would strengthen confidence, build networks and support knowledge sharing.

More varied learning formats
While the course content was widely praised, learners suggested incorporating more visual, interactive and multimedia approaches to complement text-based materials and support different learning styles.

Conclusion

The first delivery of the Community Solar Foundation Course demonstrates clear evidence of positive learner outcomes. Participants reported substantial increases in knowledge, confidence and readiness to engage with community solar development. Feedback indicates that the course is already a valuable capacity-building tool for the community energy sector and is helping to develop the skills, understanding and motivation required to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Learners described the course as a worthwhile, high-value resource that successfully bridges the gap between interest in community energy and meaningful participation in project development. With further enhancements focused on practical application and peer engagement, the course has strong potential to become a leading entry point for community solar education and capacity building.