When we think of solar power, we often picture a single roof on a single street – a personal choice for an individual household. But what happens when that vision expands? What if, instead of just one home, an entire community could band together to generate its own clean, affordable energy? Across Wales, this idea is not just a dream; it's a rapidly growing reality.

This is the power of community energy: a grassroots movement that is fundamentally changing Wales's relationship with power. It’s about more than just technology; it’s about local people taking control, strengthening their towns and villages, and ensuring the immense benefits of the green revolution are shared by everyone. From community-owned solar farms to panels on village halls and local schools, a different kind of energy is lighting up Wales – one built on collective action and shared purpose.

What is Community Energy and Why is it Thriving in Wales?



At its heart, community energy refers to renewable energy projects that are owned and managed by the communities they serve. Instead of profits flowing to distant multinational corporations, the financial returns are channelled back into the local area. This could mean funding youth clubs, maintaining public spaces, or providing energy bill relief for vulnerable residents.

Wales has become a fertile ground for this movement, thanks to a uniquely supportive ecosystem. The Welsh Government has shown a powerful commitment to this model, setting a specific target for 1.5 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity to be locally owned by 2035. This isn't just a number; it's a policy choice that champions localism and a fairer energy system.

To turn this ambition into reality, the government established Ynni Cymru (Energy Wales). This dedicated body provides vital financial support, loans, and expert guidance to help community groups get their projects off the ground. It addresses the key barriers – funding and technical expertise – that have historically held back community-led initiatives.

The Tangible Benefits: More Than Just Kilowatts

The impact of a local solar project extends far beyond the electricity it generates. It becomes a catalyst for positive change, weaving a stronger, more resilient social fabric.

• Local Economic Resilience: When a community owns its energy assets, money circulates locally. A 2024 report by Community Energy Wales highlighted that for every pound invested in a community energy scheme, a significant portion is re-spent and multiplied within the local economy.
• Lowering Fuel Poverty: Community solar projects can directly tackle fuel poverty. By generating their own electricity, community buildings like sports halls and schools can drastically reduce running costs, freeing up funds for essential services.
• Education and Engagement: A solar installation on a school roof is a highly visible symbol of positive change. It serves as a practical educational tool, engaging children and adults alike. A prime example is the work of Gower Power, whose solar projects not only generate clean power but also fund educational programmes and biodiversity projects.
• Building Skills and Creating Jobs: Developing a renewable energy project requires a diverse set of skills. These projects provide valuable opportunities for local people and can support the creation of skilled, green jobs right within the community.

How Do Community Solar Projects Work?

While each project is unique, most follow a similar pathway from a simple idea to a fully operational power source.

1. Forming a Group: It all starts with a handful of motivated local people. They might form a steering group or establish a new Community Benefit Society (CBS) – a democratic structure that ensures the project is run for and by the community.
2. Feasibility and Planning: The group identifies a potential site – perhaps the roof of a leisure centre or a piece of unused land. They then conduct feasibility studies to assess the site's suitability, calculate potential energy generation, and estimate costs. This often involves consulting with technical experts who can provide accurate projections.
3. Securing Funding: Funding is typically a blend of sources. A community share offer is a popular route, allowing residents to invest directly. This is often combined with grants and loans from bodies like Ynni Cymru or the National Lottery Community Fund.
4. Installation and Operation: This is the stage where vision becomes reality. With funding secured, the group partners with a certified, experienced installer like Carbon Zero Renewables to handle the professional design and installation. Choosing a partner who understands the nuances of community projects is vital. We can work with your group to ensure the project meets its technical goals, budget, and timeline, transforming your plans into a high-performing energy asset.
5. Distributing the Benefits: The surplus income generated is placed into a community fund. The members of the society then democratically decide how this money should be spent to best serve the needs of their local area.

Your Community's Partner in Clean Energy

The community energy movement in Wales is a powerful testament to what can be achieved when people come together. It demonstrates that the transition to a zero-carbon future can be something we actively build, own, and benefit from ourselves, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.

These projects are more than just power stations; they are beacons of hope and ingenuity, showing that a fairer and more democratic energy system is possible.

If your community group has been inspired by this movement and is considering its own solar project, the technical side can often feel like the most daunting hurdle. That's where an expert partner makes all the difference.

At Carbon Zero Renewables, we are passionate about helping Welsh communities harness the power of the sun. We offer the technical expertise and practical support to guide you through the process, from initial design to final commissioning. We believe in the power of local energy and are here to help you turn your community’s vision into a legacy of clean power for generations to come.