Work With Us – Dorset Community Energy

We work with local schools, hospitals & community buildings to develop community-owned renewable energy infrastructure, reducing energy bills and cutting carbon emissions, while keeping income and investment within Dorset.

Interested in partnering with us?

Contact us to arrange a first conversation

How does it work?

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.

We install and maintain solar PV panels on community buildings, schools, healthcare sites and more, providing zero or low-cost electricity and measurable carbon savings. Electricity is provided to the buildings at zero or low cost. Any electricity not used on site is exported to the national electricity grid.

Learn more about how our Community Energy model works?

Regen Dorset ShootRichard AustinTel: 07831

Why partner with us?

Reduce the energy costs of your building
Reduce your carbon emissions
Generate and use clean, locally owned energy
Help keep income and investment within Dorset
Demonstrate community leadership on climate action

Learn about the impact of our Projects

Learn about our Community Fund

All Saints School, Weymouth

Milldown Primary School, Blandford

Greenford School, Maiden Newton

Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester

Bridport Primary School

Osmington Village Hall

Lytchett Matravers Primary School

Salwayash Village Hall

Bridport Hospital

FAQ’s

What is community energy?

Community energy is about people and places – local groups coming together to generate, manage, and reduce energy use through low-carbon projects. We are mission-driven, not profit-led. Our goal is to tackle climate change, enhance energy security, make energy affordable, and ensure long-term community benefit. We have built up experience through working on many renewable energy projects across Dorset.

We lead on:
Project scoping and funding
Installations and maintenance
Ongoing monitoring and upgrades
Education and community engagement

Why work with a community energy organisation?

As organisations look to cut carbon emissions and reduce energy costs, many face a critical decision: go it alone, work with a commercial provider, or partner with a community energy organisation. While DIY and commercial models may sometimes offer lower price or convenience, partnering with a community energy organisation brings deeper value – through long-term support, local impact, and social return.

There are over 500 community energy organisations in the UK all providing power for their communities.

What are the key benefits of working with Dorset Community Energy?

Long-Term Commitment
Community energy groups are deeply invested in project outcomes. We maintain strong aftercare and performance monitoring.

Greater Value for Money
While matching commercial levels of professionalism, community energy organisations typically operate with lower overheads and no profit extraction. Surplus revenue is reinvested into local projects, often through community funds tackling fuel poverty or supporting education. Volunteer expertise also lower project development costs.

Local and Social Impact
Community projects generate up to 13 times more local benefit than commercial equivalents:
– We create local jobs and support local contractors
– We mobilise local investors for project funding
– We build resilience and skills within the community
– We raise the profile of schools and organisations through visible climate leadership

Support Beyond Installation
Projects often lead to wider energy savings and sustainability initiatives:
– Energy and carbon audits
– Behaviour change and curriculum integration
– Opportunities for storage, insulation, and efficiency upgrades
– Links to wider local climate action and funding sources

Tailored, Ethical Partnerships
Community energy groups value cooperation, transparency, and long-term relationships. Host organisations benefit from a local, accountable contact rather than a remote commercial entity. Community backing also increases engagement and commitment to energy use reduction.

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.

Other social benefits:
•   Improved sense of community with local people working together to benefit their community
•   Increase social cohesion, creating new networks and connections between individuals
•   Increased awareness and understanding on energy efficiency and clean energy

Who manages and maintains the solar PV systems?

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.

How do I get community-owned solar on my building?

If you are interested in partnering with us, please get in touch using our contact form or email secretary@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk

Community energy	Commercial/DIY
Long-term support and maintenance	Limited aftercare
Local investment and economic benefits	Profit extracted
Community engagement and education	No engagement
Lower total costs and long-term value	Higher risk of hidden costs
Ethical and transparent partnerships	Transactional relationships

We being expertise, funding, education, and local value – creating projects that are built to last, grounded in trust, and aligned with climate and community goals.

Learn more about the benefits of working with community energy