Community energy in Somerset

Learn how community energy projects across Somerset generate clean electricity, support local communities and create funding for environmental initiatives

About community energy

Community energy gives local people the opportunity to own, fund and benefit from renewable energy projects in their area. These projects generate clean electricity, reduce carbon emissions and keep more of the financial benefits within local communities.

Across Somerset, community energy groups have developed solar, wind and other renewable energy schemes that support local organisations, lower energy costs and create funding for community projects. They also help residents improve energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty.

Community energy organisations work with local people to develop, own and manage renewable energy projects. As well as generating clean electricity or heat, these projects deliver social, environmental and economic benefits for local communities.

How community energy works

Local ownership

Community energy projects are usually owned by local people through organisations such as:

  • co-operatives
  • community benefit societies
  • charities
  • Community Interest Companies

These organisations raise money through community share offers, grants or crowdfunding to invest in renewable energy assets.

Clean energy generation

Projects use renewable resources such as:

  • solar power
  • wind power
  • water power

Common technologies include solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines and small-scale hydroelectric systems.

Community benefit funds

Many projects generate income through energy sales and electricity exported to the national grid. Organisations often use surplus income to create community benefit funds.

These funds support local projects, such as:

  • improving energy efficiency
  • supporting environmental initiatives
  • funding community facilities
  • tackling fuel poverty

What community energy organisations do

Community energy organisations often focus on three key areas.

photograph of wind turbines at sunset and solar panels

Renewable energy generation

They develop local renewable energy projects, including:

  • rooftop solar installations
  • solar farms
  • wind energy schemes
  • battery storage projects
A woman's hand setting a program on an energy efficient washing machine.

Energy efficiency support

They help residents reduce energy use by:

  • improving home insulation
  • reducing drafts
  • lowering energy bills
  • providing energy-saving advice
Stacks of assorted coins on a table with scattered change in the foreground.

Tackling fuel poverty

They support vulnerable households through:

  • grants and financial support
  • energy advice services
  • assistance with reducing household energy costs

Community energy organisations in Somerset

Somerset has several active community energy organisations that have installed rooftop solar and solar farm projects funded by local investment. Many of these organisations use community benefit funds to support environmental and social projects across Somerset.

The Somerset Community Energy Network brings together community energy groups from across the county. It helps members share knowledge, develop new projects and work with Somerset Council on renewable energy and battery storage schemes that support decarbonisation and energy resilience.

You can view a map of Somerset community energy organisations and local project case studies on the Somerset community energy projects map.