Big Solar Co-op Secures £800K Investment to Supercharge Rooftop Revolution

In a significant stride toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, social impact investor Resonance has pledged £800,000 to the Big Solar Co-op, a UK-based initiative focused on scaling rooftop solar installations across commercial and community buildings.

The funding, channelled through Resonance Community Developers (RCD), is part of a broader ambition to deploy 100MW of solar capacity by 2030—a move that could slash nearly 40,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions yearly.

Tom Crook, Investment Manager at Resonance, 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.”

This isn’t just about solar panels. It’s about rethinking how we power our communities. How we cut carbon, curb energy costs, and reclaim control from a volatile grid.

For UK businesses, the timing couldn’t be more critical. With no price cap protection as households enjoy, many firms remain vulnerable to unpredictable energy markets. Prices may have cooled from their historic highs, but volatility still lingers, exposing companies to sudden spikes.

Here’s where rooftop solar steps in—not just as an eco-friendly solution but as a pragmatic financial strategy. By generating clean, on-site energy, businesses can reduce dependency on grid electricity, stabilise long-term energy costs, and cut their carbon footprint all at once.

Take a 50kW solar system, for example. It could deliver energy bill savings of upwards of £10,500 annually. That’s not just pocket change—it’s a buffer against future uncertainty and a step toward energy independence.

Jon Hallè, CEO of Big Solar Co-op, commented, “The loan from Resonance will enable us to build new solar on the rooftops of buildings across the UK, from schools and leisure facilities to factories and supermarkets.

“All of these new solar installations are co-owned by our members on a non-profit basis – we have over 650 members, and more are joining us every day. With the support from Resonance, we will be able to build new solar installations at the rate of one per month in the first half of 2025.”

He concluded, “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.”

While residential solar tends to get the spotlight, the real opportunity lies elsewhere: flat rooftops on commercial properties, schools, and community centres. These large, unshaded surfaces are tailor-made for solar arrays—offering efficiency, scale, and impact.

Any excess energy generated can be sold back to the grid, creating a potential revenue stream. With rising consumer awareness, companies that embrace renewables strengthen their sustainability credentials—a win-win.

Resonance Community Developers isn’t just funding hardware—it’s investing in people and places. Designed to empower local groups, RCD focuses on backing community-led projects that meet real-world needs—from affordable homes to green infrastructure.

With this latest investment, RCD has committed nearly £10 million to 30 community initiatives in ten regions throughout England, a testament to its mission of creating long-term, locally owned value.