Would I need to buy into community solar?

No, there is no investment required from the community to build and operate the community solar. We would raise the funds in the same way as virtually all community energy groups do – via a “community share offer”. The investors are typically companies, such as pension funds, that want  Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) friendly investments, which community energy meets nicely. 

Other community energy groups have often found some members of the community decide to invest, but it’s entirely optional. Typically the investment repays the capital over 25 years (5% per year) and pays around 4% interest pay year on the outstanding amount.