The definition of a community renewable energy project is flexible, with different groups applying the term to various types of schemes (Walker et al., 2007a). For the purposes of this project, a rural community energy scheme is installation of one or more renewable energy technologies in or close to a rural community, with input from members of that community.1 The scheme must benefit the community—either directly through supply of energy to multiple properties or a community facility, or indirectly e.g. through sale of energy generated to the grid. Community members’ input may be in various forms, for example project initiation, administration, construction, financial support, or decision-making.