Today, Energise South Downs (ESD), a not-for-profit co-operative, launches its first community share offer. The offer goes live on impact investment platform Ethex, aiming to raise £302,000 to fund three new community-owned solar installations. The initiative promises a double win: helping cut carbon emissions while reducing energy costs for local businesses and communities.
Backed by sailing Olympic gold medallist Eilidh McIntyre MBE, who trained at one of the participating sites, Hayling Island Sailing Club, the project is already making waves.
“Sailing is hugely tied with nature. We rely on it for everything. We are powered by nature, as it were. It’s critical that Hayling Island Sailing Club gets solar panels on the roof. We are a leading club, inspiring the next generation. We regularly have youth events here, and it’s important we not only reduce our carbon footprint, but that we’re encouraging others to do the same.
I hope to see not only more sailing clubs following in our footsteps, but also more community spaces—anywhere there’s a huge open roof space. We all have a role to play. If one sports club does it, then two, then three, soon we could have every club in the country with solar panels. Then we’ve made a difference.”
Her words highlight Energise South Downs’ vision: to spark a ripple effect of community-led climate action. They are setting a visible example for others to follow, and through this share offer, they’re enabling everyone to play a part.
Powering up Hampshire, AND community spirit
The funds raised will support rooftop solar panels at:
- Hayling Island Sailing Club
- Britannia Reeves warehouse in Petersfield
- Energique fitness centre in Alton
Combined, they’ll generate 270,000 kWh of clean electricity per year, avoiding around 54 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in the first year alone. That’s the equivalent of planting over 2,000 trees.
Crucially, the installations will cut energy bills for the host sites by supplying electricity directly where it’s needed. Any surplus energy will be fed back into the grid, building local energy resilience.
One standout feature of the project: the solar power generated at Britannia Reeves, a low-consumption haulage site, will be shared with a neighbouring residential park for over-50s, helping cut bills for local residents and supporting those most vulnerable to rising energy costs.
Investing in impact and fair return
Community investors will receive a targeted 5.5% return per year, while their money delivers tangible local and environmental benefits. Once the systems are fully paid off, the panels will be transferred to the host organisations, ensuring long-term, free, clean energy. A portion of surplus revenues will also go into a local community benefit fund.
“This is local power in local hands,” says Catriona Cockburn, Founder and CEO of Energise South Downs. “Our share offer gives people the chance to take practical climate action, support their community, and earn a fair return—while accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.”
Ethex: The platform for people-powered progress
The offer is hosted on Ethex, the UK’s leading platform for ethical and community investments, which has already helped raise over £125 million for positive impact projects.
“This is exactly what feel-good investing looks like,” says Lisa Ashford, CEO of Ethex. “It gives individuals a way to back local solutions that deliver national impact. It’s also a model that brings together community ambition with robust governance and transparency. The democratisation of energy and finance in action.”
The offer at a glance
- Launch date: 8 July 2025
Closing date: 1 Sept 2025 (or when filled)
Name: Energise South Downs (ESD)
Type: Community share offer
Interest: 5.5%
Amount of raise: £302,000
Minimum raise: £155,000
Minimum investment: £50
Project: To fund three new community-owned rooftop solar installations in Hampshire. Clean electricity generated: 270,000 kWh annually
Co2 savings: 54 tonnes of carbon emissions in year one
Equivalent: 2,100 trees.
The Energise South Downs share offer is open to anyone in the UK from 8 July on the Ethex impact investing platform. Minimum investment is £100. Find out more and invest at http://ethex.org.uk/invest/energise-south-downs and people can browse investment opportunities, review detailed project information, and invest directly through Ethex.
Press contacts:
Ethex: melissa.gilmour@ethex.org.uk
Energise South Downs: info@energisesouthdowns.org
About Ethex
Ethex is a leading platform for impact-driven investments, providing retail investors with opportunities to back businesses that are creating positive social and environmental change. Ethex offers a wide range of investment opportunities, from community and renewable energy, ethical finance and affordable housing, and works to make sustainable investing accessible to everyone.
For Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Ethex Press Office
Phone: +44 07970 767 869
Email: melissa.gilmour@ethex.org.uk
Website: www.ethex.org.uk