HOW BRIGHTON ENERGY CO-OP WORKS
Community-owned solar on local rooftops.
BEC owns and runs the solar arrays. We rent the roof space, then sell the electricity generated and used in the building to the businesses there — at a discount to grid prices.
BEC rooftop solar array
600+
members
50+
host organisations
15
years generating
Four steps from your
pocket to a sunny Sussex
roof — and back again.
1
Members pool
their money
Local people buy shares in the co-op when we open a share offer. Everyone puts in a little; together it adds up to a lot.
2
We rent the roof
space
We lease rooftops from building owners on a long-term agreement.
3
BEC builds and
owns the array
Our in-house team designs and installs the panels at no cost to the host. The array stays BEC's, and we maintain it.
4
We sell the power
at a discount
The businesses in the building buy the solar electricity they use for less than grid prices. That income pays members back and funds our community work.
WHERE THE MONEY GOES
Every kilowatt-hour earns three ways.
Hosts
The businesses in the building buy
the solar power they use at a discount
to grid prices, with no upfront cost.
Members
Receive interest on their shares
and, over time, their capital back.
Community Fund
Pays for free energy workshops,
assemblies and grants in local schools.
