In a bold move to power up the green energy transition, Rossendale Valley Energy (RVE) has launched an ambitious £350,000 community share offer aimed at funding a rooftop solar installation at the Interfloor factory in Haslingden. This project, aptly named RVE Solar, presents a compelling opportunity for individuals to invest in renewable energy, earn financial returns, and make a meaningful impact on local sustainability.
At the heart of this initiative is a mission to generate clean, renewable electricity while ensuring that profits are circulated back into the community. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, a passionate environmentalist, or just getting started with green finance, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.
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Why This Matters
The UK is rapidly advancing toward its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, solar power accounted for 4.4% of the UK’s electricity generation in 2023, a number expected to rise as community-led projects gain momentum.
Community energy projects like RVE Solar empower citizens to take ownership of local energy production, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and directly benefit from cost savings and environmental gains.
What Is Rossendale Valley Energy?
Rossendale Valley Energy is a community benefit society—a legal structure designed to serve the interests of a community rather than shareholders. All profits from RVE Solar will either be used to pay modest investor returns or reinvested in the local area. Previous projects from similar community organizations have funded home insulation, energy-saving workshops, and carbon footprint reduction schemes.
“This is more than an investment—it’s a movement,” says Claire McGowan, a director at RVE. “By supporting this share offer, people aren’t just buying into a solar project—they’re buying into Rossendale’s sustainable future.”
How Does the Investment Work?
This is a community share offer, meaning:
- Investors become members of Rossendale Valley Energy
- Each member gets one vote, regardless of the size of their investment
- Capital is used exclusively for the project
- Returns of 6% per year are targeted, based on the project’s projected energy generation and savings
Project Details:
- Location: Interfloor Ltd, Haslingden (a large UK underlay manufacturer)
- System: 882 high-efficiency rooftop solar panels
- Expected Lifespan: 20+ years
- Power Output: 368 MWh/year (approx. energy for 90 homes)
- Usage: ~85% will be used directly on-site by Interfloor, reducing their need to buy grid electricity
Investment Returns: What You Need to Know
Rossendale Valley Energy aims to deliver an annual return of 6%, higher than most current high-street savings accounts or government bonds. The income comes from:
- Selling electricity to Interfloor at an agreed rate
- Exporting excess power to the grid
- Operational savings on maintenance due to efficient technology
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Example Financial Projection:
| Investment | Annual Return | Total Return Over 20 Years |
|---|---|---|
| £500 | £30 | £1,100 (includes capital repayment) |
| £5,000 | £300 | £11,000 |
| £25,000 | £1,500 | £55,000 |
Note: Projections are estimates and subject to change based on system performance and electricity prices.
Environmental & Community Benefits
Carbon Reduction:
The project will cut about 85 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year, equivalent to planting over 3,800 trees annually.
Local Impact:
- £2,000/year minimum goes into a community benefit fund
- Over 20 years, this adds up to £250,000 used for:
- Supporting households with high energy bills
- Funding school-based environmental projects
- Running free local energy advice clinics
Circular Economy in Action:
This model reinforces a circular economy, where local money stays local, creating green jobs, supporting families, and driving regional growth.
Case Studies: Community Energy Success Stories
- Bath & West Community Energy: Raised over £4 million for solar and hydro projects, returning 6-7% annually to investors.
- Brighton Energy Coop: Installed solar panels across local schools, businesses, and housing blocks with consistent community dividends.
These examples demonstrate how community energy isn’t just viable—it’s thriving.
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Legal, Tax, and Risk Considerations
Before investing, it’s important to understand:
Legal Structure:
Rossendale Valley Energy is a Community Benefit Society, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, this type of investment is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Tax Relief:
This share offer does not currently qualify for EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) or SEIS relief, but interest earned is taxable income and must be declared.Key Risks:
- Performance risk (e.g., lower sunlight, system breakdown)
- Market changes in electricity prices or feed-in tariffs
- Business risk (Interfloor changes usage or operations)
RVE has mitigated these through insurance, maintenance contracts, and secure Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
How to Get Involved
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit rvenergy.org.uk
- Read the Share Offer Document carefully
- Sign up on Crowdcube
- Choose your investment amount between £100 and £35,000
- Track your impact and returns over the next 20 years
(FAQs)
Q1. What happens if the project underperforms?
Returns may be lower than forecast, but the project has been stress-tested against worst-case solar performance scenarios.
Q2. Can I sell or transfer my shares?
Shares are not tradable, but RVE may allow limited withdrawal after 3 years, depending on financial health.
Q3. Is this a government-backed initiative?
No, but it aligns with national energy goals and may benefit from future subsidies or grants.
Q4. What happens after 20 years?
The solar system could continue to operate for 25+ years, and RVE will decide—along with members—whether to extend, upgrade, or decommission it.
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