The solution to climate change is a many headed beast and COREM is taking the challenge on and has now funded six projects to install solar PV on community buildings.
Dave Rawlins from COREM points out that the installation of solar panels not only slashes the building’s carbon footprint, but gives relief against ever increasing electricity bills.
A 6.6 kW system has been installed on the rooftop of Wildspace at the Mullumbimby Commons by Heinz Solar. The Commons will now save around $2,000 per year with part of these savings returned to COREM to fund new community solar projects – a truly sustainable solution both economically and environmentally.
‘This model clearly shows how the community can have a stake in local renewable electricity generation and can reap the benefits,’ said Dave Rawlins from COREM.
Locally based community-owned electricity retailer Enova Community Energy who set up as a social enterprise to support the Northern Rivers community, proudly co-funded this project. Through it’s Renewable Development Initiative (RDI), customers choose to forfeit their pay-on-time monthly discount which then assists in setting up community solar projects such as this one.
‘Enova’s vision is of a community serving itself, providing its own renewable energy to meet its needs, with all in the community able to participate in the shift to renewables. Through partnering with COREM on projects like this one, It is great to be able to say to our customers that when you pay your Enova energy bill you helping to make projects like these happen,’ said Sandi Middleton, manager of Enova Community.
The Commons has become part of the Repower Byron Shire initiative demonstrating their commitment from moving away from fossil fuel generated electricity to being part of the renewable energy revolution. Any household or business can do the same in just three steps, by switching to an ethical electricity provider (Enova in this instance), reducing consumption with energy efficiency and producing their own solar power. For more information visit corem.org.au and repowerbyron.org
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