Community energy relies on people working together to be part of the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy generation. And you don't have to be actively involved in a community group to benefit, either. By making choices about who you pay for your energy, or where you invest any savings you have, you can make a difference to our future energy landscape, and be better off too.
This page explores opportunitues to buy your own home energy, or invest in renewable energy projects. If you're part of a community energy group, and are looking for funding, try our
Community energy know-how page for comprehensive guidance on setting up and fundraising for your own project.
Find out how you can:
reduce your bills by buying locally-generated clean energy invest in community renewable schemes and improve your own financial outlook harness the power of clubbing together to get a better deal on renewable equipment and services Some of the schemes are still in development, but you can get ahead by finding out about these coming opportunities now.
Buy energy from renewable sources Energy Local Clubs enable communities to work together to make local energy generation more practical and economically viable. Members have the opportunity to reduce their fuel bills and support local renwable energy projects at the same time.
Learn more about how Energy Local clubs work
Inspired? Our partner BWCE is working towards offering local people the opportunity to save money and be directly involved, by joining an Energy Local Club to buy electricity generated by Fairy Hill solar farm.
Although the programme is temporarily paused, due to a fire at the site in July 2026, you can still be first to find out about this upcoming opportunity, once the project is up and running again.
Find out more about Fairy Hill
80% of UK people think it’s important that renewable energy developments provide direct benefit to local communities.
- UK Government Department of Energy Security Public Attitudes Survey
Invest in existing clean energy projects If you want to invest in a cleaner, more sustainable future, community renewable energy is a fast expanding sector which can offer excellent returns. Even if you only have a small amount to invest, there are both local and national schemes, which can offer you the satisfaction of knowing that you're supporting community initiatives and our future energy security.
Explore group buying Another way of making your money go further and supporting renewable energy initiatives at the same time is by working together with like-minded people to harness the power of group buying. There are a number of schemes for this in development, or already working periodically, in our area.
Switch Together to solar Since 2021, the Switch Together West of England scheme (formerly called 'Solar Together') has resulted in 2,400 home installations of solar equipment across the South West.
The group-buying approach uses the core principle that by coming together, homeowners will have enhanced buying power, which allows the approved providers to offer a better price than individual homeowners might get from entering the market alone.
Participants have saved between 22% and 41% on typical market prices for solar panels, compared with going it alone. The scheme operates a series of rounds of registration, bidding and buying.
Get ready for the next round of registrations
BWCE Home Energy Neighbourhoods programme Even if you're just finding out about what home energy improvements might be possible , clubbing together with your neighbours can still make things easier, and save you money.
If you live in a street or neighbourhood with similar properties, BWCE's Home Energy Neighbourhoods programme may be for you. This brings together groups of three or more households to find out which home energy retrofits may be suitable for your homes.
Get expert, practical advice, make a change in your neighbourhood and pay less for professional services and support.
Register your interest in Home Energy Neighbourhoods
