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Community Solar

Image above is of the North Coast Community Housing (NCCH) Solar Garden, led by COREM and Enova Energy. 

COOLmob is beginning to explore community solar options in Darwin. 

In January 2020, we presented at a Smart Energy NT COOLmob Action Alliance tech talk event on the different community solar models currently operating and succeeding in Australia, and whether they could be possible in the Northern Territory. You can take a look at our presentation. 

We’re interested in hearing the community’s appetite and thoughts on community solar in Darwin, so please get in touch with us if this if you have anything you’d like to share or if this is something you’d be interested in. 

What is community solar?

  • Refers to both community-owned projects as well as third party-owned plants whose electricity is shared by a community
  • The solar panels and related equipment is set up in a central location, so residents don’t need to buy and install equipment on their personal properties. The power produced by these projects is then shared by a community, and the hardware is either owned by the community itself or by a third party

Why do community solar?

  • Mobilise communities to act on climate change and take ownership of energy as they choose to generate renewable energy 
  • We’re used to waiting for governments and corporate retailers to provide energy, but renewable energy is a unique and opportunity for ordinary communities to create their own energy
  • Provides energy independence, security and affordability
  • Allows community the opportunity to share the benefits of solar power even if they cannot or prefer not to install solar panels on their property
  • Ethical investment or donation

Interested in learning more?

Below are some resources we have found useful in learning about exisiting models in use in Australia. 

Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE) – Small Scale Community Solar Guide

Community Power Agency – Community-owned Renewable Energy How-to Guide

UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures & Community Power Agency – Social Access Solar Gardens for Australia Research

Clean Energy Council – Benefit Sharing for Renewable Projects Guide