The challenge:
With UK energy prices at record highs and communities under pressure from both climate change and fuel poverty, local authorities are increasingly turning to community solar as a scalable, sustainable solution.
A pioneering not-for-profit has been pushing this approach, helping local energy co-operatives deliver low-carbon electricity projects across the London. Working closely with Carbon3, they’ve delivered some of London’s most impactful community solar initiatives, including the first-ever community-owned solar array in the City of London.
The solution:
Together, we have delivered 14 community-owned solar PV systems across the city, including schools, housing estates, and other public buildings.
Any income projects make through our client go into a Community Fund, and into projects that benefit the local community. The co-ops will raise more than £200,000 for Community Funds across London.
These systems were funded through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), backed by community investment. Unlike traditional PPAs where profits leave the area, these are structured to reinvest back into local projects, from fuel poverty support to local education and sustainability initiatives.
Case spotlight: St Stephen’s Primary School
One standout installation is a 112kWp rooftop system at local St Stephen’s Primary School, delivered by Carbon3 for a volunteer-led co-operative supported by our client.
Funded through local investment, the system:
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Generates 95,243kWh annually
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Saves 24,287kg of CO₂ each year
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Cuts electricity costs for the school, with no upfront spend required
The PPA model meant the school could access below-grid-rate renewable energy without diverting funds away from educating students.
Carbon3 carefully planned all work to avoid any disruption to teaching, completing the installation on time and in full compliance with safety and safeguarding protocols. Local contractors were prioritised throughout to reduce emissions and maximise economic benefit for the community.
Our other projects
For this client we’ve delivered solar arrays on:
9 schools:
- Central Park Primary School: 81.91kWp
- Ellen Wilkinson School: 151.06kWp
- Godwin Junior School: 70.97kWp
- Jack Tizard School: 119.19kWp
- Newham College: 25.73kWp
- Plashet School: 143.55kWp
- Roman Road School: 113.03kWp
- St Stephen’s: 112.05kWp
- Windsor Primary School: 7.48kWp
3 libraries:
- East Ham Library: 75.11kWp
- Stratford Library: 53.94kWp
- Beckton Library: 58.1kWp
As well as a community centre – The Attlee Centre 55.2kWp – and a housing estate – Middlesex Estate 36.8kWp.
Together, these solar arrays are saving 239.32 tonnes of carbon emissions every year, saving thousands in energy bills and providing local jobs and community funds.
Community solar:
Community energy projects like these provide social equity, local empowerment, and economic resilience.
With every system Carbon3 installs for this client:
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Surplus income is channelled into Community Funds supporting local initiatives
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Projects provide educational opportunities for students and residents
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Systems are maintained through long-term O&M agreements to ensure performance and value
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Installations are tailored to each site, using high-efficiency panels and local contractors
Carbon3’s team supports the full project lifecycle, from feasibility and funding strategy to installation and maintenance, delivering technical performance and meaningful community value.
Why this matters now:
As grid electricity prices remain volatile, energy independence is more valuable than ever, particularly for schools, councils, and housing providers trying to cut costs while meeting net-zero targets. Community solar offers a way to do both, while keeping investment and profits in local hands.
Whether you’re a public sector body, housing association, or school trust, Carbon3 can help you design and deliver community solar that works for your building and your neighbourhood.
Ready to build a local energy future?
Contact us at info@carbon3.co.uk to learn how a community PPA could benefit your site.
