Are you interested in investing in local community renewable energy projects? Then here is an opportunity for you!
Energise South Downs launched their first community energy share offer on July 8th. They are raising £302,000 to buy and install solar panels on three sites across the South Downs, including one project in Alton! Altogether these projects will generate 283 kWp and save 54 tonnes of carbon per year (the same as planting 2,100 trees every year).
The three projects funded by this share offer are:
- Energique Fitness and Wellness Centre (Alton)
- Hayling Island Sailing Club (Hayling Island)
- Britannia Reeves (Petersfield)
Most of the energy generated will be used onsite, with any excess being sold to the grid. Some of the income from electricity sales will go into a community fund, while the rest will be used to repay your investment — with a target return rate of up to 5.5%. At the end of the term, the panels will be signed over to the host business, providing them with free solar generation for the remainder of the panels’ lifespan.
Investments can range from £50 to £30,000. Energise South Downs are aiming to pay a return of 5.5% from autumn 2027, and all capital will be repaid by 2040. If you invest, you will automatically become a member of ESD allowing you to influence how the money raised is spent within the local community.
Go to the Energise South Downs website for more information including the share offer prospectus and instructions on how to invest.
