We spoke to Henrietta Dale, Low Carbon Development Programme Manager, and Lily Robertson, a volunteer with Hammersmith & Fulham Community Energy (HFCE), who shared with The Green Londoner the story behind the borough’s first community-owned solar project — and the newly launched share offer, open until September.
A quiet rooftop in White City is now generating more than sunshine. It’s sparking a shift in how energy is produced, owned, and used in Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F). Thanks to a new local co-operative, 270 solar panels installed on the roof of Jack Tizard School are about to be brought into community ownership — and residents are being invited to take part.
Power to the People
Community energy projects like HFCE allow residents to invest directly in local green infrastructure. Instead of waiting for big energy companies or government funding, individuals can buy shares — from as little as £50 — to co-fund renewable energy installations on schools, leisure centres, and community spaces.
The concept is simple: the clean electricity generated is sold at a discount to the host site, while any surplus goes to the National Grid. Profits then serve three purposes:
- paying investors modest returns (3% annually);
- covering operational costs;
- and building a Community Fund to support local initiatives — from youth clubs and community gardens to transport and wellbeing services.
“People often feel powerless in the face of the climate crisis,” says Lily Robertson, “This is about giving them a stake in real, local solutions — where the social benefits go hand-in-hand with carbon savings.”
All investors automatically become co-op members, with voting rights to help shape future projects and decide how Community Fund money is spent. It’s energy democracy in action.
A First for the Borough
While similar models have taken off in other London boroughs, HFCE is the first of its kind in H&F. The project is supported by Repowering London, a non-profit with a track record of helping communities set up and manage energy co-operatives across the capital.
“This is just the beginning,” says Henrietta Dale, “The Jack Tizard installation shows what’s possible. If residents come on board, we can replicate this model across the borough.”
The council has expressed strong support for the initiative, which fits squarely into H&F’s wider climate goals — including the target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Importantly, the site of this first project was chosen with impact in mind. Jack Tizard School supports young people with complex learning needs, and savings of around £2,000 per year on energy bills will be redirected to student support services.
A Limited-Time Offer
HFCE’s Share Offer opened in June and will run until 1 September 2025 — or until the funding target of £106,500 is reached. The offer allows individuals to invest in the co-operative and help complete the transfer of the panels into full community ownership.
Once operational, the project is expected to generate a Community Fund of £10,500, reinvested into local good causes each year. Crucially, it sets the stage for similar schemes in other parts of the borough.
“This is more than a green investment,” says Lily Robertson. “It’s about community resilience, inclusion, and making sure the benefits of the energy transition stay local.”
Get Involved
Whether you live in H&F or not, there are several ways to join the movement:
- Invest: Residents can invest from £50 (or £100 for non-residents) and become full co-op members. Details here
- Become a member: For just £1, anyone can join and vote on key decisions — even without investing.
- Attend events: HFCE hosts free events and workshops on renewable energy and climate solutions.
- Spread the word: Awareness is key — tell your neighbours, your school, your local café.
The Green Londoner will be following HFCE’s journey — and exploring how more community energy projects could help power a fairer, greener London.
