A pioneering 1.5 megawatt solar garden project in Grong Grong, NSW is nearing completion, set to deliver solar credits to 175 investors within weeks.
The landmark development, initiated by the Community Power Agency, aims to extend solar access to renters, apartment residents, and those with unsuitable roofs who have been excluded from the rooftop solar market.
According to AAP, Community Power Agency project director Kim Mallee said the concept for the project was to extend the experience of owning rooftop solar panels to people who had been locked out of the market.
“What we really wanted to be able to demonstrate was what it would look and feel like for somebody who doesn’t have a sunny roof… for them to invest directly in solar and get that benefit on their electricity bill,” he said.
The project’s origins date back to January 2020, inspired by successful solar garden models in the United States and Germany.
Over four years, the developers navigated regulatory challenges, utilising an innovative cooperative investment structure and partnering with retailer Energy Locals to process bill credits.
The project secured funding from 175 “solar gardeners”, a NSW Government grant, and equity from the Grong Grong Solar Farm.
Detailed processes have been documented in a public report to guide future solar garden developments.
With one-third of Australian homes already equipped with solar panels, the industry sees solar gardens as a viable solution for the remaining market.
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