Abstract
Power to Change commissioned CAG Consultants in May 2019 to evaluate the Next Generation Community Energy programme. This is the first interim evaluation of the programme. The programme aims to support the community energy sector in two ways: by bringing more solar farms into community ownership whilst maximising the financial, environmental and social impact for their local communities, and by supporting the development of innovative business models for the community energy that are not dependent on Feed in Tariff subsidies. This paper presents interim evaluation findings about parts of the Next Generation programme, covering the processes used and early outcomes in both parts of the programme. It also shares learning from the programme for the benefit of community groups, policy makers and other community energy stakeholders, and makes recommendations for Year 2 of the Next Generation programme and wider work by Power to Change.