How-to Guide
Why work with community energy?
Why Work with Community Energy Organisations?
As organisations look to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy costs, many face a critical decision: go it alone, work with a commercial provider, or partner with a community energy organisation. While DIY and commercial models may sometimes offer lower price or convenience, partnering with a community energy organisation brings deeper value – through long-term support, local impact, and social return.
What Is Community Energy?
Community energy is about people and places – local groups coming together to generate, manage, and reduce energy use through low-carbon projects. These organisations are mission-driven, not profit-led. Their goal is to tackle climate change, enhance energy security, make energy affordable, and ensure long-term community benefit. They build up experience over many projects, rather than the building owner having to learn all about developing and managing renewables.
They often lead on:
- Project scoping and funding
- Installations and maintenance
- Ongoing monitoring and upgrades (for up to 25 years)
- Education and community engagement
Key Benefits of Working with Community Energy
1. Long-Term Commitment and Higher Standards
Community energy groups are deeply invested in project outcomes. Unlike some commercial installers who may cut corners or disappear after installation, community groups maintain strong aftercare and performance monitoring. They’ve even uncovered abandoned commercial solar panels — installed poorly and forgotten by the host organisation.
2. Greater Value for Money
While matching commercial levels of professionalism, community energy organisations typically operate with lower overheads and no profit extraction. Surplus revenue is reinvested into local projects, often through community funds tackling fuel poverty or supporting education. Volunteer expertise can also lower project development costs.
3. Local and Social Impact
Community projects generate up to 13 times more local benefit than commercial equivalents. They:
- Create local jobs and support local contractors
- Mobilise local investors for project funding
- Build resilience and skills within the community
- Raise the profile of schools and organisations through visible climate leadership
4. Support Beyond Installation
Projects often lead to wider energy savings and sustainability initiatives:
- Energy and carbon audits
- Behaviour change and curriculum integration
- Opportunities for storage, insulation, and efficiency upgrades
- Links to wider local climate action and funding sources
5. Tailored, Ethical Partnerships
Community energy groups value cooperation, transparency, and long-term relationships. Host organisations benefit from a local, accountable contact rather than a remote commercial entity. Community backing also increases engagement and commitment to energy use reduction.
Risks of Going It Alone or with a Commercial Operator
Choosing DIY or purely commercial routes can come with hidden costs:
- Host organisation must fund and manage the project (including maintenance)
- Less motivation for long-term care or educational integration
- Higher risk of poor installation and minimal aftercare
- Fewer local economic benefits; profit often leaves the area
- No community involvement, missing out on behavioural and social change
Real-World Impact: Case Studies
South East London Community Energy (SELCE)
- 11 solar arrays installed since 2015 – 7 on schools
- Generate 487,000 kWh/year
- Over 20 years:
- £300,000+ in energy savings
- £180,000+ for fuel poverty work
- £300,000+ in energy savings
- Tailored designs – e.g. Deansfield Primary’s east/west/south-facing array, unlikely from a commercial provider
Oldham Community Power
- Developed educational tools, tablets, and software to teach pupils about energy
- Live data displays connect students with their school’s real-time energy use
- Developed with local engineers and tested by students – rooted in place and participation
Totnes Renewable Energy Society (TRESoc)
- Runs 2-3 day renewable energy modules in primary schools
- Includes hands-on workshops and field trips
- Community festivals and events grow awareness and involvement
Summary: The Community Energy Advantage
| Community Energy | Commercial/DIY |
|---|---|
| Long-term support and maintenance | Limited aftercare |
| Local investment and economic benefits | Profit extracted |
| Community engagement and education | No engagement |
| Lower total costs and long-term value | Higher risk of hidden costs |
| Ethical and transparent partnerships | Transactional relationships |
In conclusion, community energy organisations offer far more than just energy installations. They bring expertise, funding, education, and local value – creating projects that are built to last, grounded in trust, and aligned with climate and community goals.