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Big Solar Co-op
Renewable energy
Forecast
return
This is the first bond offer from the Big Solar Co-op, a growing not-for-profit organisation of over 1100 members, funding and building solar energy generation. A UK-first, their 3.5 MW Whiteborough Solar Park will transform an old opencast mine using a mix of ethically sourced and recycled solar panels.
- Where your money goes
- Team
- Documents
- Updates
Updates
No updates.
Big Solar Co-op
FCA Registration number : 4877
Shrewsbury, UK
Incorporation date: 13 January 2022
Your money will…
Take positive climate action by providing the Big Solar Co-op with upfront funding for the Whiteborough Solar Park development.
Support a sustainable approach to solar energy generation, including panel re-use, ethical sourcing and transforming low grade land and rooftops across the UK.
Help underpin a model for community-owned solar energy generation on rooftops and unused land, powering our clean energy transition.
Earn a tax-free return. Investments target a return of 5.5% and are eligible to be held within an IF ISA*
The bigger picture
As the climate and energy crises continue, the Big Solar Co-op is pioneering a simple and replicable solution, unlocking the massive untapped potential for solar energy across the UK—on rooftops of large buildings and unused land with grid connections that are just waiting to be powered by the sun. Since 2022, they have:
- built and own 11 operational rooftop solar projects (totalling over 1250 kW of panels – about the same as 400 average-sized domestic rooftops)
- produced over 1000 MWh of energy every year – enough for over 20 million passenger miles in an electric train
- signed up over 40 more sites, ready to build solar on over the next 2 years, all over the UK.
- grown to have 1,100 members who support the co-op, including investors and volunteers.
- successfully initiated and progressed the Whiteborough solar park project, built on a former open-cast coal mine
- pioneered the re-use of solar panels in the UK, incorporating second-life panels alongside new, ethically sourced panels
They have big ambitions to do much more, and this bond offer will finance the development of the new solar installation at Whiteborough.
*IFISA eligibility depends on investors' individual tax status and current legislation.
What your money will do
Your investment in the Big Solar Co-op bond offer will
- Fund the completion of the Whiteborough solar project on a former coal mine, which will generate around 3,000 MWh of clean energy each year for at least 25 years
- Help to cut carbon emissions by around 619 tonnes per annum
- Support the re-use of solar panels and an ethical approach to solar panel sourcing, using an ethical supply chain, where possible
- Support the Big Solar Co-op’s vision of the development of carbon-busting solar arrays on all suitable sites all over the UK
- Provide the capital to repay the expensive short-term bridging loans used for the build stage of the Whiteborough project
Team
Big Solar Co-op is determined to build on this successful model and this share offer will help them fund the next phase of their work: https://bigsolar.coop/
Jon Hallé
Chief Executive Officer
Sonya Bedford
Board
Having worked for over 18 years in the energy legal sector, Sonya has acted for many community energy groups alongside local authorities, developers, landowners and funders. Sonya has experience in all aspects of renewable energy projects and across all the key technologies and has been awarded an MBE for her services to Community Energy.
Gordon Coppock
Board
Gordon‘s personal journey with solar started in the 1980s. Following a career with Siemens, culminating as a director for the Asia Pacific region, Gordon decided to focus his work on climate change, working with solar pioneers Wind and Sun and several community energy groups.
Rob Jones
Board
Rob brings his extensive experience of accounting, auditing, corporate advisory and financial analysis to influence BSC’S financial wellbeing. At home Rob has solar panels, a heat pump and an EV. He runs his village’s climate action group and is interested in sustainable investment generally. He is a trustee for a charity that helps children with disabilities.
Shamsher Dharsani
Board
Shamsher has management experience at senior level in economic development, education, and social services. He has a long association with the co-operative movement and has supported the development of several solar energy Coops & CBS which are successfully trading. He is currently employed as a Capacity Development Coach for Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisations.
Tom Johnstone
Board
Tom is a CIMA-qualified accountant with 35 years experience working in industry in various different sectors. He became involved in a community energy project some years ago and supported it through initial concept and development through inception and running of a solar farm in Charlbury, Oxfordshire.
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Interest accrual and payment
Interest will accrue from the issue date of the Bonds. Payments will be made annually with the first payment falling in 2026.
Getting your money out
You should expect to hold the Bonds for the 7 year term. The Bonds are transferable which means technically they can be sold to a willing buyer. However, the Bonds will not be listed on a formal exchange, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to find a buyer nor the price they might be willing to pay.
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