Community

Commercial installation and service provider Solar Professionals will install almost 3 MW of solar PV across the rooftops of more than 800 homes in New South Wales after landing a new contract with the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO).

This annual 1.8 GWh of green power came out of a long-nurtured passion project, and can now provide a successful template for other community groups to think big in their renewable energy aspirations.

We all want to reduce our energy bills, but not-for-profits can really make every cent saved by rooftop solar count. The 2021 Synergy Community Solar Fund has kilowatts of clean free energy on offer for West Australian charitable and community organisations.

Advanced technology is of little use if it cannot reach those who need it most. Two Indonesian companies – Kopernik, an NGO based in Bali, and Sumba Sustainable Solutions, from the island of Sumba – are trying to bridge the gap between those in need and those with technological solutions. They both focus on the PV electrification of rural areas and brightening Indonesia’s “last mile.”

Helen Haines, MP for the Victorian electorate of Indi, will today put a Bill before Parliament that would underwrite and provide technical support to community renewable energy projects in regional areas, and mandate the opportunity for community to buy in to large-scale projects.

The Ranger Uranium Mine, completely enclosed within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, ceased production in January 2021 after years of financial losses. Now, as part of a multi-million dollar rejuvenation of the Park, a solar and battery storage hybrid project is set for development at the town of Jabiru, a project which will help the town replenish itself as a tourist hub for one of Australia’s greatest treasures.

With the Victorian Government determined to make Victoria a renewable energy leader, one of the smallest local government areas (LGA) in the state is doing its bit to make a big impression with small-scale solar PV uptake, giving free rooftop solar systems to community organisations as part of the Yarra Solar Program.

New South Wales’ Lismore City Council will construct a carpark solar shade structure and an electric vehicle charging station funded through a Federal Government grant.

Fledgling residential solar PV and battery storage provider Plico Energy will look to accelerate the expansion of its customer base in its home state of Western Australia after securing a $4 million capital injection.

Solar-based microgrids are transforming island aspirations for prosperity, sustainability and the returning tourist trade.