Low Carbon Hub has opened a community share offer inviting the public to invest in what is planned to be the UK’s first community-owned battery installed alongside a community-owned solar energy project.
The battery will be added to Ray Valley Solar Park, one of the UK’s largest community-owned solar parks, located near Bicester. Established in 2022, the solar site generates enough clean electricity to power around 7,000 homes.
The new battery project is intended to improve how much of that energy can be used by storing surplus electricity produced during sunny periods and releasing it later when demand is higher.
To fund the installation, individuals and organisations can buy community shares through Ethex, with investments starting at £100 and capped at £100,000 through the Community Energy Fund.
Barbara Hammond said the battery marks an important next stage in community energy development.
“We’re planning to install the UK’s first community-owned battery located alongside a community-owned renewable energy project, and people have the opportunity to invest in this exciting next phase of community energy.
“Solar energy used to be heavily dependent on the time the sun was out, but adding battery storage makes the clean power more reliable and consistent day and night.”
Currently, some electricity generated at Ray Valley cannot be used when production is highest because the local grid cannot absorb all available power. Energy prices are also typically lower during daylight hours, reducing the value of daytime generation.
Low Carbon Hub said battery storage will allow more clean energy to be retained and sold when demand is higher, improving both efficiency and revenue for local projects.
The battery is expected to save around 809 MWh of clean electricity from being wasted each year, enough to power approximately 300 homes annually. By releasing stored solar power during peak demand, it is also forecast to deliver an additional 102 tonnes of carbon savings every year, equivalent to removing around 45 cars from the road.
All profits from Low Carbon Hub’s renewable energy schemes are reinvested into local sustainability projects supporting schools, homes and businesses.
The share offer runs from 26 March 2026 to 26 June 2026 and comes as community energy gains further national attention following the government’s Local Power Plan, which includes up to £1 billion for local energy projects.
