AGL completes 48 rooftop solar and battery installs for Aboriginal community

In collaboration with residents from the Point Pearce Aboriginal Community In Narungga Country on the Yorke Peninsula, located 194 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, South Australia (SA), Sydney-headquartered gentailer AGL has funded and installed 48 rooftop solar and batteries systems.

Deployed by SA-based solar and battery business Twilight Energy, a First Nations Clean Energy Network statement said the project aimed toreduce household electricity costs in eligible houses managed by the South Australian Housing Trust, and provide long-term access to reliable, renewable energy infrastructure for the community.

Depending on the participating home, rooftop solar capacity is between 6 kW to 7 kW, paired with 10 kWh Sigenergy battery energy storage system.

At a recent celebration of the now completed installations, community member Raymond Wanganeen said the role of community liaison to get the project delivered, was key to the project’s success.

“I strongly believe that without the community energy liaison role at Point Pearce, many community members may have missed important and relevant information about solar and the battery and the process of installing,” Wanganeen said.

Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation (PPAC) Board Member Uncle Eddie Newchurch brought it all home saying the project is a part of righting the wrongs.

“This project marks a turning of the tide for Aboriginal people being to access clean, reliable, affordable energy on their homes,” Newchurch said.

“It shows what can happen when community, industry – AGL, and state government work together.”

Newchurch added that residents in the community will be able to enjoy the benefits of renewables, instead of watching without being able to be a part of.

“The success of the Point Pearce Solar and Battery project is due to grassroots and real community engagement and community being the focus,” Newchurch said.

AGL Corporate Affairs and Reconciliation Action Plan Sponsor Executive General Manager Suzanne Falvi said eligible homes in Point Pearce could participate, regardless of which energy retailer they used. 

“For families, this could mean savings of around $1,000 to $2,000 a year on electricity bills,” Favi said.

AGL provided funding for the project, delivered in collaboration with the PPAC, the South Australian Department for Energy and Mining, the SA Housing Trust and the Aboriginal Lands Trust.

AGL is working to identify ways members of the local community can participate in future maintenance, monitoring and related support roles, with training and capability development.