We have some exciting news to share! The Motley Fool UK has now become an independent, UK-owned company, led by our long-serving UK management team — Mark Rogers, Chris Nials and Heather Adlington. In practical terms, it’s the same team you know, now fully focused on serving our UK readers and members.

Just as importantly, our approach remains unchanged: long-term, jargon-free, and on your side. We’ll be introducing a new name and brand over the coming weeks — we're very excited to share it with you and embark on this new chapter together!

£500 could buy me 603 shares in this 10.8% yielding income stock!

Got a small lump sum? Zaven Boyrazian dives into an unloved income stock offering a massive yield that’s still growing. Is this an opportunity or a trap?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Silhouette of a bull standing on top of a landscape with the sun setting behind it

Image source: Getty Images

Often, some of the best income stocks are the least popular ones hiding in plain sight. And right now, there are quite a few high-yield opportunities within the renewables sector, including Bluefield Solar Income Fund (LSE:BSIF) with a staggering payout of 10.8%!

With a share price of 82.8p, anyone with £500 can now snap up 603 shares and unlock a £53.97 passive income overnight. While that’s obviously not a life-changing sum, it’s nonetheless a powerful starting point for a dividend-focused portfolio.

So is this an exceptional buying opportunity, or is the yield too good to be true?

What does Bluefield Solar do?

Bluefield Solar Income Fund is a closed-ended investment company that owns and operates a large portfolio of UK solar farms. With a total energy production capacity of 748 megawatts (MW), the company generates clean electricity across the UK and sells it directly into the energy grid, helping power the equivalent of 326,000 homes.

With few ongoing operational expenses, the company’s highly cash-generative, supported by long-term government-backed Renewable Obligation Certificates as well as power purchase agreements with customers. And historically, this unusual combination has added a powerful layer of income stability.

But in 2026, that stability’s starting to look a bit shaky.

Why’s the yield so high?

The double-digit yield reflects a deeply discounted share price dragged down by significant uncertainty.

Higher interest rates have squeezed Bluefield’s balance sheet by pushing up borrowing costs on the fund’s debt. At the same time, it’s also inflated the discount rate applied to the group’s future cash flows, directly eroding its net asset value, which fell 7.5% in its latest results.

At the same time, government changes to renewable energy subsidy frameworks have significantly reduced the level of support available to solar operators, stripping away income streams the sector had previously relied upon.

The double blow of tighter finances and shrinking subsidies has made the whole sector deeply unpopular with investors, starving funds like BSIF of the fresh capital needed to grow.

In response, leadership has actually launched a formal sale process, with a shortlist of bidders that have started their due diligence. So what does this mean for investors today?

What’s the verdict?

As an income stock, Bluefield Solar looks risky. Dividends are currently on track for their ninth consecutive year of payout increase, but they now exceed the net profits generated by the business – something that’s not sustainable in the long run. That’s why I’m not rushing to buy the shares today.

However, for value investors, there could be a promising opportunity to consider here.

While there’s no guarantee that the formal sale process will be successful, if it is, the Bluefield Solar share price could jump significantly. After all, buyouts often come with a premium. And even if Bluefield’s sold close to its net asset value, that still represents a potential 30% jump based on where the stock’s trading today.

Zaven Boyrazian has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Female student sitting at the steps and using laptop
Dividend Shares

How much do you need in Lloyds shares to make £500 in monthly passive income?

Jon Smith runs the numbers for Lloyds' shares regarding income potential, but also assesses whether the fundamental outlook for the…

Read more »

Thoughtful man using his phone while riding on a train and looking through the window
Investing Articles

This growth stock just crashed 15% in my ISA! What should l do?

Our writer is wondering what to do with this disruptive growth stock that has just slumped by double digits. Is…

Read more »

Smiling family of four enjoying breakfast at sunrise while camping
Investing Articles

Is the Diageo share price about to explode? We’ll find out on 6 May

The Diageo share price continues to struggle but Harvey Jones still believes in this beaten-down FTSE 100 stock. Will Wednesday's…

Read more »

Woman riding her old fashioned bicycle along the Beach Esplanade at Aberdeen, Scotland.
Investing Articles

State Pension of £12,548 not enough? Here’s how to aim to add another £31,352 to your retirement income

Experts reckon (and we all know) the State Pension isn’t enough to provide for a comfortable old age. But James…

Read more »

Mature people enjoying time together during road trip
Investing Articles

These FTSE 100 stocks could turn a £20k ISA investment into £541,834

These FTSE 100 stocks have provided jaw-dropping returns over the last decade. Here Royston Wild explains why they could keep…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

How much would be needed in a SIPP to target the £30,251 State Pension paid in Iceland?

Iceland’s State Pension is £17,703 higher than the UK’s. But James Beard says there’s no need to move, a SIPP…

Read more »

Businessman with tablet, waiting at the train station platform
Investing Articles

1 top UK growth stock to consider buying in May

Hunting for stocks to buy for an ISA in May? Here's one that's growing like a weed but still offering…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

No savings? Here’s how to try and turn a £39,039 salary into a £1,969-a-month passive income

Earning passive income isn’t just for people with huge cash reserves. Stephen Wright outlines how to aim for this using…

Read more »