PROPOSALS to launch a community-owned solar business in Wedmore will be discussed at a meeting this week (Thursday, January 10).

The public meeting, to be held at Wedmore First School Academy from 7.30pm, will detail plans to install solar panels on land near Mill Farm, off Quab Lane, bringing profits back to the community.

The project, supported by Wedmore Green Group, is being run by Wedmore-based renewable energy consultancy group, Rooftop Consultancy Ltd, who are creating a co-operative company run by local investors.

Robin Mewes, director at Rooftop, told the Weekly News: “By creating the new Wedmore Community Power Company, it means it will be run by local people – not foreign investors or big London companies.

“People will buy in and get a share in the company and earn interest on their investment. We already have founding members but we want to attract more once the company is up and running, which should be next month.”

The project, which could produce 300 times the power produced by domestic PV systems – enough for 300 homes, is still at the consultation stage and a planning application is expected to be submitted next week.

“Planning is almost a sideline,” added Mr Mewes. “We’re only going to do it if the community want it.”

The solar panels will be placed in two paddocks, one north and one east of Mill Farm, which will be surrounded by new hedging and security fencing.

It is also hoped some of the profits can be put back into the community in the form of grants for projects and amenities.

For more information visit www.wedmorecpc.co.uk.