Wrapping up 2024 in the final quarterly newsletter
End of year update on Gawcott Fields Community Solar’s community impact and performance.
...read moreGawcott Solar CIC are proud to announce the completion of a £419,000 community bond offer. The bond offer is the last piece of a staged refinance process which is expected to result in an increase in forecast community surplus by 50%, compared to original projections when the solar farm was built in 2016. The solar farm is now projected to generate £2.8 million of surplus income which will support energy and environmental projects in the local community over the next 25 years.
An increase in surplus income will allow Gawcott Solar CIC to expand their Community Grant Fund allocations, benefiting the local community and contributing to Net Zero transition. Currently, Gawcott Solar CIC offers grants to initiatives that are environmental and community focused. Such projects may include; renewable and energy efficiency measures for homes and community buildings, community-led nature or energy projects, educational activities or community activities that promote awareness of low-carbon futures.
Last year, Gawcott Solar CIC were able to allocate over £45,000 to help school children and their families face the cost-of-living crisis. The funds reached 10 schools and supported breakfast clubs, top-up free school meals and subsidised school trips. The new bond offer means the CIC will be able to support even more of the community in adapting to low carbon futures.
Gawcott Solar CIC is a not-for-profit community benefit society, governed by local volunteer directors, and set up to generate energy and income for the parish. It is supported by Community for Renewables (CfR), who helped set up Gawcott Solar Farm in 2016, overseeing the construction and finance management. CfR provides ongoing company and asset management services to run the solar farm and CIC on behalf of the volunteer directors.
More about the Solar Farm
Gawcott Solar Farm has been generating electricity and income from the sun since June 2016. The 4.17 megawatt solar array is made up of over 16,000 solar panels and is generating over 4 million kWh of renewable electricity each year, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of around 1,000 homes. It is governed by local volunteer directors and run for the benefit of the local community.
Community Benefits
The solar farm generates income from the sale of electricity and a Feed-in Tariff. Surplus income generated by the Community Solar Farm (after operating and finance costs) funds Gawcott Solar’s Community Grants, which support local environmental and community action.
End of year update on Gawcott Fields Community Solar’s community impact and performance.
...read moreBuckingham Town Cricket Club and Buckingham Rugby Club are celebrating a year of renewable energy success after installing solar panel systems on their clubhouses.
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