Who We Are
What is a Solar Coop?
A solar co-operative is a group of people who come together to make renewable energy possible. By pooling resources, members invest in large-scale solar projects that generate clean power, accelerate Saskatchewan’s transition to renewables, and share both the financial and environmental benefits. Every project is community-driven, democratically governed, and focused on building a more sustainable future one solar panel at a time.
How It Works
We partner with commercial sites across Saskatchewan to host solar installations. Professional contractors build the arrays, which are then leased to the site partner through a 25-year agreement. This lease generates steady revenue that funds future projects, covers operating costs, and pays dividends to our members.
Become a Member
Members invest by purchasing a common share at $50 and at least one preferred share—each valued at $950—which directly support the development of new solar assets. Every member holds one common share, giving them a voice in the co-op, and can own multiple preferred shares to increase their impact and returns.
Our Values
Rooted in cooperative principles and values; environmental stewardship, education, and democratic participation; SES Solar Co-op empowers everyday people to lead the clean-energy transition, together.
Our Vision, Mission and Purpose
Vision
To be an innovative cooperative that empowers people to participate in the building of sustainable energy solutions, making clean energy accessible and beneficial for all.
Mission
Our mission, as a community cooperative, is to advance the adoption of renewable energy. We offer solar energy solutions to meet the diverse needs of our host partners and members.
Purpose
Our purpose is to create a sustainable future by elevating the use of solar energy, enhancing the viability of community-owned renewable energy projects, and expanding our portfolio to include diverse renewable energy assets. We strive to be a well-known choice for solar projects, provide clean energy, build Saskatchewan’s green economy, and ensure returns to our members while mentoring and educating others about the values of renewable energy.
Core Values
Commitment to the Environment:
- We believe that sustainably generated green energy will make the world a better place.
Leadership:
- We accept our responsibility to be leaders in our province’s transformation to green energy.
Innovation:
- We develop innovative and sustainable solutions to harness green energy using cost-effective technologies.
Education:
- We educate our members, prospective members and the general public about the benefits of green energy.
Respect:
- We treat all our members, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders with respect.
Partnership:
- We select our site partners based on viable economics for our members, a record of demonstrated reliability and shared environmental interests.
Efficiency:
- We are a volunteer-driven organization, and we recognize the value of the time our volunteers donate. We create efficient processes for everything we do.
Our History
How We Started
The Entrepreneurial Committee of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society Inc. (SES) pitched the idea of a solar co-operative in 2014. Later that year, SES was invited to participate in the Business for Good Social Venture Challenge, a project of Affinity Credit Union.
After receiving the support of the community in the Challenge’s crowdfunding campaign, SES won the Challenge and $50,000 to assist in the Solar Co-op venture. Part of the crowdfunding campaign included buying a panel in the proposed co-op and the initial 45 prospective members contributed $1,000 each.
Soon after, we incorporated as a consumer co-operative becoming our own entity – SES Solar Co-operative Ltd. To learn more about the many projects in operation visit our current projects page.
How We’re Doing
SES Solar Co-operative Timeline
