Harnessing the sun’s power for community energy in the South Downs
August 11, 2025
Community-based energy in the region has taken a big step forward with the launch of a rooftop solar power scheme.
Solar panels will be installed at three sites after Energise South Downs raised over £300,000 through its first-ever community share offer.
In addition to community backing, the share offer attracted generous support from the South Downs National Park Trust and Co-operatives UK’s Community Shares Booster Fund.
Energise South Downs is a Petersfield-based community energy organisation, supporting the transition to renewables through locally-owned energy infrastructure.
The solar panels will be installed at Britannia Reeves removals warehouse in Petersfield, Energique Health and Fitness Centre in Alton, and Hayling Island Sailing Club. It will be enough to power local buildings, while cutting 54 tonnes of CO₂ annually, equivalent to planting 2,100 trees.
All surplus revenue will be reinvested through a Community Benefit Fund, supporting future social, environmental and cultural projects across the South Downs
Catriona Cockburn, Founder and CEO of Energise South Downs, said: “This incredible response shows the appetite for grassroots climate solutions.
“We can’t wait to start installing and seeing the impact of these three rooftop solar installations, from decarbonisation to lower energy bills for our communities.”
James Winkworth, Director of Growth and Organisational Development at the National Park, said: “The driest spring on record, together with the hottest June, are stark reminders of our changing climate and the challenges we face. We need more innovative, community-based climate action on the ground and that’s exactly what this project is. It brings together local businesses to strengthen energy resilience and grow the region’s green economy, so we’re really pleased to be supporting it.”
The community share offer was hosted through ethical investment platform Ethex and reached its target in just 10 days.
Learn more here.