Community-owned energy projects are generally renewable energy projects where residents of a community become investors in the project.

 

Community wind energy projects have been developed in Europe over many years. In Denmark, over 100,000 families belong to wind turbine cooperatives.

 

Community solar farms have been developed in the US and Canada over the past few years.

The financial structure of these projects varies.  Some issue bonds or borrow from investors.  Others offer equity investments like SolShare Energy.

 

Most community-owned energy projects sell power directly to the grid at a premium.  Due to the economics of electrical pricing and grid connection policies in BC, SolShare Energy is using a different model.

 

More info:

• Wikipedia article on Community_Wind_Energy
• Thrive Renewables – a UK company that offers equity investments in renewables and pays dividends
• Detailed study of community owned energy