Westmill Solar Farm Co-operative

Westmill Solar Co-operative was the first community-owned solar farm in the UK and, at 5MW, the largest community-owned scheme in the world at the time of its launch in 2012.

Located on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire border, the solar park produces enough clean electricity to power 1,600 homes each year.

The co-operative is part of the wider Westmill Energy family, which also includes Westmill Wind Farm Co-operative – operating five wind turbines on the same site, generating enough electricity for around 3,000 homes – and Westmill Sustainable Energy Trust (WeSET).

The aims of the project are to combat climate change through a reliable source of renewable energy, provide investors with a stable income, and help the area transition to a low-carbon future economy.

Every year Westmill Solar donates 1% of its revenue to WeSET, a charity promoting community decarbonisation through arts, education and community renewable projects. Over recent years WeSET has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors to the Westmill site through open days, events and guided tours.

To expand its community benefit programme, Westmill Solar offers a free energy audit to a nominated community building and runs a community grants scheme for non-profit projects promoting community, sustainability, education or training.