We are a co-operative society based in Greater Manchester. Our members pay what they can in membership dues each month, then we use that money to put solar panels on homes and community buildings.

Our members do! Being a co-operative society means we are owned and controlled by the people who join, not outside shareholders. Everyone who joins gets an equal vote in the decisions we make.

Solar is the cheapest electricity once it has been installed, but the upfront cost puts it out of reach for most households. We believe that by acting collectively we can harness the power of solar energy and help fight climate change.

We welcome members from anywhere in the UK, but currently solar panel installations will be in Greater Manchester.

Becoming a member means financially supporting the initiative. At this stage we have no income from panels, and monthly membership dues will support us in reaching our first panel purchase.

Many community energy projects rely on large loans or donations from wealthy members of the public, but we've designed this co-operative so that anyone can join. This way people who aren't in a position to buy their own panels can contribute to a clean energy future. Members can also benefit from dividend payments or cheaper electricity if panels are built on their home.

Fill out the membership form and set up a monthly standing order based on how much you can afford (minimum £1). You will be issued a single £1 share, which is what makes you a member and gives you your vote. You can then find out from our email list for members how to vote on decisions and other ways you can get involved.

A minimum of £1 per month, with no maximum. We suggest that members pay one hour's wage per month if they can afford to do so. Many members pay more because they believe in the co-operative and want to see us put up more solar panels faster.

Yes! Community Powerbank was started as a way of making sure that everyone can benefit from solar panels regardless of whether you own a house or are renting.

If you decide to cancel your membership you will be sent your single £1 share back. Any other contributions you have made whilst being a member will be kept by Community Powerbank.

Community Powerbank elects a board every year who make decisions on the day-to-day running of the co-operative. Bigger decisions will be taken to either an annual general meeting, or a referendum of the membership where appropriate.

Board members are elected by the membership for two-year terms at the annual general meeting. You need to be a member in good standing in order to stand for election.

Money raised by the co-operative through membership dues, electricity generation, and other sources will be used for:

• The installation and ongoing maintenance of solar panels on houses and community buildings

• Recruitment and promotional costs, such as venue hire and printing flyers and posters, which support the growth of the co-operative

• Payments in the form of dividends to members

• Administering the organisation, such as website hosting and accountancy fees

The proportion of money used for each purpose will be determined by the board, with guidance from the wider membership.

Installations will initially be on locations with low installation costs and high efficiency. Members will be involved in decision making, and where lots of options exist, methods such as a member 'lottery' may be used to choose houses.

Realistically, in the early years we expect to put most surplus money into new panels rather than issuing big dividends to members. We want to grow our co-op and cover as much of Greater Manchester as we can in solar panels! Those decisions will always be made by all of our members collectively.