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.