News / Resonance
Social impact investor to commit £800k for solar panels on commercial buildings
Bristol-based social impact investment company Resonance has committed £800,000 to Big Solar Co-op scheme to support the installation of rooftop solar panels across the UK.
The funding aims to reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards Big Solar Co-op’s goal of deploying 100MW of solar panels on commercial and community buildings by 2030.
Big Solar Co-op, a volunteer-led organisation, is committed to “solarising” commercial and community buildings all over the UK, from schools to GP practices.
The initiative is supported by Resonance Community Developers (RCD), a fund focused on investing in projects that promote community benefit. The solar installations are expected to cut nearly 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually while supporting the transition to renewable energy.
“The commitment to creating real social and environmental impact is something we truly believe in, and we are proud that this investment will help it grow and make an even bigger difference,” said Tom Crook, investment manager at Resonance
Tom Crook, investment manager at Resonance, noted the organisation’s commitment to projects delivering measurable social and environmental impact. He said: “I’m really excited to be supporting Big Solar Co-op and the incredible work it does.
“The commitment to creating real social and environmental impact is something we truly believe in, and we are proud that this investment will help it grow and make an even bigger difference. We look forward to seeing the positive change it creates.”
Amid rising and unpredictable energy costs, many UK businesses face ongoing uncertainty. Unlike households, commercial entities are not protected by energy price caps and remain susceptible to market volatility without direct government support. Although rates have decreased from previous peaks, fluctuations persist, making long-term energy planning difficult.
Investing in on-site renewable energy solutions such as solar panels is expected to offer businesses greater energy independence, cost savings and improved sustainability performance.
Rooftop solar systems on commercial and community buildings help generate clean electricity locally, reducing reliance on grid energy. The typically large, flat roofs of commercial properties are well-suited for solar panels, allowing for efficient and high-capacity installations.
According to Resonance, a 50kW solar system can save a business over £10,500 annually. In addition to financial savings, solar power may provide the opportunity to sell excess electricity back to the grid and can enhance an organisation’s environmental credentials.
Investing in on-site renewable energy solutions such as solar panels is expected to offer businesses greater energy independence, cost savings and improved sustainability performance
Jon Hallè, chief executive of Big Solar Co-op, stated that the loan will support the development of solar projects on a variety of buildings, including schools, leisure centres, factories, and supermarkets. The installations are co-owned on a non-profit basis by over 650 members, with continued growth in participation.
He added: “Together they will generate enough electricity to reduce UK carbon emissions by around 350 tonnes a year – that’s enough energy to drive an electric car over 2 million miles.”
With this latest investment, the fund has committed around £10 million to approximately 30 community organisations across ten regions in England.
All photos: Resonance
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