Some of you may not be aware of what a crowdfunding scheme is. In its simplest form, it involves members of the public and/or businesses lending money to people or businesses seeking investment. There are many such schemes cropping up in the UK with some investors being able to make available as little as £5.
Solar panel crowdfunding schemes appear to be proving popular
(image credit: ell brown)
We have recently heard of a crowdfunding scheme operated by Abundance Generation that is raising funds to help towards installing solar panels on new house building schemes and on schools. To date, in just in excess of a month, over £700,000 has been raised towards the funding of two solar schemes in the UK.
One of these schemes is entitled “Brighter Schools” and freely installs solar panels in English schools. The benefit to each school is that their energy bills are lowered. The benefit to investors is that apparently they may obtain a return of anything from 7.2% to 8.3% via the Feed in Tariff scheme.
The other project is entitled “Oakapple One” and is involved in the funding of solar photovoltaic panels for new build homes throughout the UK. Those people living in their homes will benefit from free unlimited electricity. The benefit to the investor is that they may achieve a return of anything from 7.35% to 8.6%.
These returns can be received for 20 years and the minimum investment is only £5. If, for whatever reason, an investor decided that they wished to withdraw from the investment scheme they can sell their investment to someone else.
Apparently, Abundance Generation are looking to raise a further £4 million in respect of green energy schemes for homes, businesses and schools throughout the UK.
Obviously, we are not in a position to make any recommendations about these types of schemes. We just thought that some of you might wish to make further enquiries about them.
