About
Island Community Solar Cooperative (ICSC) was created in 2017 by members of Energy Solutions for Vancouver Island (ESVI), a non-profit society that promoted energy efficiency and clean renewable energy in the region.
Our roots go back to May of 2015 when ESVI and the City of Nanaimo held a Solar Energy Forum in Nanaimo. This event was attended by over one hundred enthusiastic people aware of rapidly escalating BC Hydro rates and excited by the rapidly dropping price of solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment.
At a follow-up open community action plan meeting held in June of 2015, attendees voiced support for investigating bulk buys of solar PV equipment, initiating a solar co-op to promote residential installs, and initiating a commercial co-op to sell solar PV-generated energy and distribute profits to members.
Subsequently, a smaller, dedicated ESVI solar PV subcommittee was formed to develop an action plan. The committee chose to embark on two related community solar PV initiatives, a Solar PV Demonstration Program and the Island Community Solar Cooperative.
Become A Member
To empower individuals and communities in the Vancouver Island region to invest in transitioning towards a distributed renewable energy future by developing local solar projects.
Our Mission
For everyone to be able to participate in making solar power a significant contributor to energy self sufficiency on Vancouver Island.
Our Vision
OUR VALUES
As a business, ICSC is founded on the Three Pillars of Sustainability – social, environmental and economic benefits.
As a cooperative, we believe in seven key principles:
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Voluntary and open membership;
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Democratic member control;
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Member economic participation;
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Autonomy and independence;
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Education, training and information;
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Cooperation among cooperatives;
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Concern for community
We are committed to operating in ways that promote and advance social, environmental, and economic justice: