Power to the people thanks to sunshine

By Jessica Long, South Coast Register

REPOWER Shoalhaven kicked off its local renewable energy project at the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club on Thursday.

As part of the Renewable Energy Action Plan the day marked the opening of the club’s 99kW solar panel system. The not-for-profit association develops community solar projects and organises installation to benefit the community, economy and environment.

Repower Shoalhaven president Chris Cooper said the association finds businesses that would benefit from solar but don’t want to spend the capital on the installation.

“We also find local people who want to invest in clean, local renewable energy but until now had nowhere to invest it,” he said.

“We raised $120,000 in 10 days to install the bowling club’s solar system.

“It will save the club $300-400,000 over its lifetime.

“We hope to roll out this model to many other local buildings in the coming year.”

Repower Shoalhaven also received $10,000 from the NSW government to help develop the community renewable energy models.

Environment Minister Rob Stokes announced $700,000 worth of funding has since been made available for community owned renewable energy projects.

“These grants will minimise the upfront administrative costs of community energy projects and unlock the potential that small-scale renewable energy has to offer,” Mr Stokes said.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for the local community.”