GCE Community Solar Project

The project aims to deliver a pioneering community solar initiative in one of the UK’s most deprived neighbourhoods — Thesiger Street and surrounding areas of East Marsh, North East Lincolnshire — with some of the highest levels of fuel poverty and social deprivation nationally. 

They will develop a plan to install solar PV on approximately 100 homes—mainly terraced houses and flats—most of which are owned by local housing associations, with some private landlords and owner-occupiers. The electricity generated will be provided free of charge to residents, supporting households in vulnerable situations to reduce energy costs and improve comfort during a period of growing energy insecurity.

In addition to the physical solar installations, the project will empower residents to make long-term energy-saving behavioural changes. This development project will span two years and include detailed site identification, community and landlord engagement, feasibility studies, planning and permissions, and preparation for a capital funding bid. By the end of this project, they aim to be investment-ready for the installation phase (year three) and replicate this model across other deprived areas of North East Lincolnshire.