Invest in Community Energy – Dorset Community Energy

We are proud to offer our community the opportunity to invest directly in renewable energy projects that deliver long-term environmental and social benefits.

Our community energy model enables local people to become active participants in the clean energy transition – supporting climate positive projects while keeping investment and value within the local economy.

Become a Member of Dorset Community Energy

A Different Investment Model

As a Community Benefit Society, we are not driven by short-term profits. Instead, our model is designed to deliver long-term value through affordable clean energy, responsible stewardship, and reinvestment into community projects.

At its core, this model is about community ownership and local benefit.

How does the Community Energy model work?

Regen Dorset ShootRichard AustinTel: 07831

Why Invest?

Support Local Energy Resilience

Help fund solar and renewable energy installations on schools, hospitals and community buildings.

Explore our Rooftop Solar Sites

Keep Value and Benefit Local

Investment returns and project savings stay within the community and support local projects.

Learn about our Community Fund

Membership Benefits

As a member of Dorset Community Energy, you will:

Own part of a local, community-run energy organisation
Have one vote at General Meetings, regardless of how many shares you hold
Be able to stand for election to the DCE board
Help guide the direction of new community energy initiatives
Be offered first access to invest in future Dorset Community Energy share offers

FAQ’s

How does community energy investment work?

A community energy share offer allows local individuals to invest directly in renewable energy projects through a Community Benefit Society. Investors become members on a one-member, one-vote basis and receive a modest annual return while supporting local decarbonisation and community ownership.

How does the community benefit?

Schools and community buildings benefit from free or low-cost electricity generated by solar panels. Revenue from excess energy generated by the panels and exported to the grid is used to cover the operational costs of the Society and provides a return on investment to member shareholders. Surpluses are then reinvested into local community projects and initiatives.

What happens to my investment?

Investments are typically made over a 20 year period. Over this time period it is expected that you will receive an annual interest payment, projected to be between 5% p.a. and 6% p.a. and capital repaid over 17 years from year 4 onwards. Members’ interest is paid from the income generated, and paid annually in arrears. Interest will vary according to a number of factors including hours of sunshine each year. The interest to be paid each year will be recommended by the Directors and agreed by Members at the AGM.

Who manages and maintains the assets?

The Community Benefit Society is responsible for managing and maintaining the renewable energy systems, including servicing, monitoring, cleaning, and equipment replacement where necessary.

Are Community Benefit Societies regulated?

Yes. Community Benefit Societies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Mutuals Team and governed under the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

What happens to my shares if I die?

Transfer of shares in the event of a member’s death:

The Dorset Community Energy Rules, contain detailed guidance on pages 5-7 on transfer and withdrawal of shares on the death of a member. In the event of the death of a member, the full repaid value of their shares plus accumulated interest will normally be added to their estate for probate purposes.

However, shares in Dorset Community Energy valued at £5,000 or less can be transferred to a nominated person on death, provided the member has completed the Share transfer on death-nomination form, available at this link and on the sidebar of this web page. The nominee will have the full rights of the deceased member.

Where no nominee exists, the society may transfer shares to an appropriate family member or legal beneficiary, subject to evidence and society rules.

Any Questions?

Email secretary@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk or use our contact form and we’ll be in touch.

Contact Form

Interested in Future Share Offers?

We do not currently have an open share offer, but we continue to explore new opportunities for community-owned renewable energy projects.

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