You will need to carry out the following activities to get your project underway.
- Prepare a budget based on estimations.
- With support from CARES, estimate the energy, carbon and cost benefits.
- Gain a mandate to agree progression to fundraising and obtaining quotes.
- Seek quotes from installers which will require coordination of site visits. Quotes should typically include:
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) compliance
- an estimate of yield (generation) and a financial assessment
- full specification and costs for all materials, equipment and labour
- the provision of an appropriate export meter
- full assessment of roof or land housing PV panels
- making a grid application on your behalf
- all works required to submit and administer a planning application
- securing a Structural Certificate
- all works required to submit and administer a Building Warrant
- appropriate access (eg scaffolding) and welfare facilities on site
- construction and Public Liability insurance
- compliance with Health and Safety regulations
- an abortive fee should consents progress, but not installation
- an indicative timeline, indicating when invoices will be raised
- an indication of future operation and maintenance costs.
- Compare quotes and select a preferred installer but do not contract yet.
- Request that a grid application is made by the preferred installer.
- Gather information on other future costs through quotations. This can include:
- insurance (often best included in the current building insurance)
- operational costs (maintenance, metering, etc. as a comparison)
- lease amendment work, if appropriate
- a smart meter from your Energy Supplier, if appropriate
- Finalise your budget and agree a mechanism of securing capital funding. This can be from a mix of sources. Options to consider include:
- a loan – for example, an SME loan from the Scottish Government
- own funds or reserves
- specific fundraising activities
- crowd funding or seeking donations
- applying for grants, for example from local community benefit funds
- raising funds through a community share offer or community bonds.
- Confirm any other energy efficiency measures to be implemented.
- Agree target programme with your preferred installer.
Community Shares Scotland provides advice and support in raising community funding.