Our story
Somerset County Council is committed to tackling climate change and is working towards a carbon neutral Somerset by 2030. But the council can't do it alone and we need everyone in Somerset to do their bit.
Avalon Community Energy is a community owned social enterprise which provides clean energy with real community benefit. The three commercial scale solar installations provide clean energy to local schools and local businesses. The rooftop solar panels installed at Brookside Academy, Hugh Sexey School and Evercreech Junction generate over 130 MWh of electricity and save around 80 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. ACE sells the solar generated electricity at a discount, so the money saved at the two schools can be poured back into other educational initiatives. The school installations also provide an important educational resource for the pupils.
Avalon Community Energy arranges community share issues and grant funding to finance solar installations. These provide low-carbon energy at favourable prices and a reasonable return for our investors. We work collaboratively with the aim of increasing the supply and use of renewable energy in a resilient, smart and efficient energy system.
The revenues from the electricity generated are used to maintain the solar arrays, pay interest on investments and the surplus goes to a Community Benefit Fund. This is used to reduce the energy bills of people living in fuel poverty by helping with home insulation and other measures. Community partners who host the solar panels reduce their energy costs and overall more green energy is produced which reduces carbon emissions.
Somerset County Council and the four District Councils are working together towards a climate resilient Somerset. Since 2016 Avalon Community Energy has been providing affordable renewable energy to both schools and local businesses. A new renewable energy project in Glastonbury is currently being worked on, offering huge carbon savings to the community.
Our advice
Initial engagement and ongoing involvement of the local community and community partner organisations are essential to the success of any community-owned social enterprise.
You can set up a Community Benefit Fund (financed by surplus income and donations) to help target fuel poverty, energy efficiency and community energy initiatives in your area.
When it comes to tackling climate change, everyone needs to play their part, such as by making small, everyday changes like swapping their energy supplier to a green supply.
Our Changeprint
Our Changeprint can be measured by the number of solar installations financed and supported; electricity generated by the solar panels and tonnes of CO2 emissions saved annually; savings reinvested into other educational initiatives; number of pupils who benefit.
