A not-for-profit volunteer run organisation has just installed a 10kW solar system at Coorabell Hall.
It’s the latest project by Community Owned Renewable Energy Mullumbimby (COREM), who have been fundraising to install solar panels on community buildings since 2016.
Project organiser Dave Rawlins says, in just over three years, and at a cost of over $80,000, they have funded 87 kilowatts of solar PV, installed at 10 sites, including the Mullumbimby Showgrounds, Mullumbimby Museum, Federal Hall and Dorroughby Hall.
Rawlins says COREM’s Revolving Community Energy Fund pays for the solar installation up front.
Interest free loans
‘The community group who receives the solar panels then pay back the cost, interest free through the savings generated by solar power. Funds are circulated through our local economy to support more community organisations to install solar panels, saving groups money on their bills while slashing our reliance on polluting coal generated electricity.’
Enova Energy has assisted to partly finance the last five of COREM’s projects.
Enova’s CEO Felicity Stening says, ‘We’re delighted to support COREM to deliver its projects by contributing funds toward solar panels.
‘Energy self-sufficiency for community halls means their funding can advance their core activities rather than covering electricity bills. This in turn brings about stronger communities and that’s what Enova aims to create,’ said Felicity.
Rawlins thanked Splendour in the Grass, CORENA, Enova Energy and Jeremy Ball from First Sun Solar for their support in their 10th installation.
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