The Solar Coop is registered as an Industrial & Provident Society with the Financial Services Authority in England and Wales under the Industrial Provident and Provident Societies Act 1965 (as amended) (No. 30897 R). It’s registered office is at 15-16 Woodlands Farm, Spring Lane, Cookham Dean, Berkshire, SL6 9PN.

The Solar Coop was set up by members of Transition Town Maidenhead initially to negotiate group purchase discounts for the installation of solar thermal and photovoltaic panels on private homes. Over 20 installations have been made using a number of MCS accredited installers with the Solar Coop providing independent advice and support as well as carrying out initial feasibility surveys of roofs.

Approaches were made to the Solar Coop by a number of community organisations who did not have the capital to invest in solar pv installations but did not want to rent their roof for 25 years to private financiers. Community ownership provides the finance for the panels to be installed and also widens participation in the ownership and operation of renewable energy assets and the financial returns from the Feed in Tariff.

Members elect directors and each member has one vote regardless of the number of shares held. Members are protected by limited liability and are only obliged to contribute the initial cost of their shares. A copy of the Solar Coop rules, approved by and registered with the Financial Services Authority, are available on our website http://www.thesolar.coop.

As a member of Cooperatives UK the Solar Coop will, whilst trading as a commercial organisation, strive to promote Cooperative Values and Principles:

• Self help and self responsibility
• democracy and equality
• Honesty and openness
• Social responsibility
• Autonomy and independence
• Member economic participation
• Opportunities for education
• Concern for community
• Co-operation among co-operatives