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Blending finance for a community-driven success
The Energise Barnsley Solar Homes project has attracted support from investors, funders and news outlets. We're taking a look at what they've achieved and the impact they're creating.
Energise Barnsley's 1,000 Solar Homes project is a shining example of how community energy can drive positive change. By installing solar panels on up to 1,000 council-owned properties in Barnsley, they're not only generating clean energy but also creating significant benefits for the entire community.
A Community-Driven Success
Energise Barnsley has a proven track record of success in community energy initiatives. Their innovative approach has attracted support from investors, funders, and the media alike, culminating in a recent win of the prestigious Ashden Award for People's Energy.
Growing Support for the Sector
Energise Barnsley recently received a significant philanthropic bridge loan from We Have the POWER, who recognised the project's potential for social and environmental impact. Tim Stumpff explained their decision to support the project:
"I was seeking genuine 'impact' investments, not just marketing spin or greenwashing. Community energy ticks all the boxes. The environmental impact is immediate and tangible; within weeks, your investment can lead to lower carbon emissions.
"The social impact is equally real. It's a true 'just transition' investment because the profits from the new solar power project are shared by individual investors, social housing tenants, and the community itself, through a community benefit fund."
Tim added:
"Your investment portfolio is likely the largest contributor to your personal carbon footprint, as you're likely (indirectly and somewhat unknowingly) investing in fossil fuel projects. Investing in community energy is a good way to decarbonize your personal investment portfolio."
Immediate Impact
This kind of catalytic finance is key to helping Energise Barnsley get started on the next round of solar panel installations, and they’ve already completed 50. In addition, the loan also creates investment momentum - with almost £2m already raised, they are now well on their way to meeting their new revised target of £3.175m.
The image above shows Bethan Wynton, Director of Energise Barnsley, with Dan Jarvis MP, visiting Grimethorpe to see some of the new solar installations that will help residents, particularly the elderly, in this deprived area save money on their energy bills through clean, community-owned energy generation.
Bethan also appeared on Times Radio to spread the word about their work. You can listen to the interview here.
Join the Movement
It's clear that support for this incredible renewable energy project is growing. Thanks to the generosity of investors and supporters, people living in fuel poverty are already benefiting from a cleaner and cheaper electricity supply.
You can be part of this exciting project by investing from £500. Not only will you receive a potential return of 6% (tax-free if held within an IF ISA), but you'll also be supporting a community-driven initiative that's helping to reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty.
Learn More and Invest
To learn more about Energise Barnsley and find out how you can invest to help them succeed, please visit their profile on Ethex.
Together, we can create a brighter, greener future for Barnsley and beyond.
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