We are all more concerned than ever to take active steps to reduce our carbon footprints and to do our part in preserving the environment in which we live for future generations.
Green technologies have, through the passage of time, become cheaper, longer lasting and more efficient and are now becoming a viable option for more and more of those wishing to invest in renewable energy technology.
There are financial benefits and opportunities too.
Unfortunately, the costs and the practicalities of “going it alone” are still putting many people off. As a result, we are now seeing more and more communities and other groups and organisations coming together to take advantage of the various schemes and incentives that are available and to do their part in the CO2 reduction agenda. By pooling resources and taking advantage of bulk buying the financial burden can be significantly reduced.
Interested parties include community groups, parish councils, schools, hospitals and social housing providers.
We are also seeing an increasing number of people seeking to invest in green technologies, whether to take advantage of the various incentives that are available, as part of joint venture arrangements or otherwise.
We can advise in relation to the following:
suitable legal structures for community projects;
set-up/incorporation and governance of such enterprises;
the involvement of members of the community (and others) in the funding of such enterprises (including the preparation of a suitable “prospectus”/offer document);
property issues – such as the creation of leases of the sites/spaces upon which the renewable energy equipment is to be located, planning requirements, building regulations and third party consents;
contracts for the purchase, installation and maintenance of the renewable energy equipment;
contracts with energy providers in relation to FIT payments;
contracts with Ofgem in relation to RHI payments;
agreements for the purpose of providing or raising capital to fund the acquisition of renewable energy equipment; and
- other general corporate advice for organisations wishing to invest in green technology/energy.
