Community solar power on social housing

Community solar panels on the roof of Elmore house

London’s first cooperatively owned solar power project on social housing.

Community group Repowering South London has successfully completed the initial stage of its first project: Brixton Energy Solar 1. The project has installed several hundred square metres of solar panels on the roof of Elmore House in the Loughborough Estate in Brixton. The solar panels started generating power on the 30th of March 2012.

Funding was raised by a community share offer, providing a return to investors of up to 3% p.a. If you are interested in future projects you can register your interest using our online form.

Reinvesting in the community

The Loughborough Estate in Brixton

Part of the income generated will be reinvested in The Community Energy Efficiency Fund for energy-saving improvements in the local area, such as:

• draughtbusting
• insulation
• education
• re-skilling on energy efficiency

We believe that community-owned energy is an excellent way to start reducing our dependence on oil, protecting against rising fuel costs and environmental damage. Running our own sources of renewable energy, coupled with reducing our energy consumption, will greatly increase Brixton’s energy security against the effects of peak oil.

A greener future for Brixton

Our aims are:

• To generate energy in Brixton
• To develop a community investment vehicle
• To reducing dependence on big energy companies
• To educate about energy efficiency and tackle fuel poverty
• To provide training and employment for local people

Brixton Energy’s aims are aligned with those of the Transition movement – a community-based movement with a practical approach to preparing for a low-carbon future.

Read more here: The Transition Companion: making your community more resilient in uncertain times.