Today, I am curious to learn what I can do with solar power if I don’t have property that I own. I live in Wales. How easy is it to add power back into the grid?
Here is what I learned today in a couple hours of research. In Wales, as in many parts of the UK, there are several options for individuals interested in solar power but who do not own property or have suitable rooftops for solar panels.
- Community Energy Projects: Participating in a community solar project is an excellent option. These projects allow multiple people to benefit from a single, large-scale solar array located off-site. Participants can either invest in the solar project or subscribe to the energy it produces, receiving credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power generated.
- Green Energy Tariffs: If you cannot install solar panels, switching to a green energy tariff is another way to support renewable energy. Many suppliers offer tariffs that guarantee your electricity is sourced from renewable energy, including solar. While this doesn’t involve directly feeding power back into the grid, it supports the broader adoption of renewable energy. I am using Octopus Energy and I went to check and it is 100% green energy. It was nice to see the equivalent virtual forest calculator. Over 500 trees.
Tangent: When reading up on Octopus energy I discovered https://octopus.energy/blog/ada-lovelace-tech-internship/ link. In my experience apprenticeship programs in the UK are great.
With the green energy tariffs sorted. Here is what I found on the community energy projects.
- Egni Co-op: Egni Co-op is a notable example of a successful community energy project in Wales. It focuses on installing solar panels on community buildings, schools, and businesses across Wales. Members of the community can invest in the co-op and, in return, receive interest on their investment from the profits generated by selling solar electricity. https://aat.cymru/ .
- Gower Power Co-op: This initiative develops renewable energy projects on the Gower peninsula and surrounding areas. They have a community solar farm which members can invest in, supporting local renewable energy generation and benefiting financially from the returns. https://www.gowerpower.coop/ .
- Ynni Ogwen: Based in Bethesda, North Wales, Ynni Ogwen is a community enterprise focusing on renewable energy projects, including solar, to benefit the local community. They aim to develop local renewable resources for local benefit. https://www.partneriaethogwen.cymru/en/environment/ynni-ogwen/ . I went to watch the YouTube videos. It was great fun to learn about the hydro electricity project and to hear Welsh being spoken.
- Community Energy Wales: While not a project per se, Community Energy Wales is an organization that supports the development of community energy across Wales. They provide resources, guidance, and support to groups looking to start their community energy projects, including solar. http://www.communityenergywales.org.uk/en .