Solar rollout flows on to Hall

As renewable energy uptake in the region continues to rise, a bulk-buy solar scheme ensures the environment will not be the only beneficiary.

Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association was announced this week as the first organisation to benefit from the Naturaliste Renewable Energy Group-led scheme, with Save Energy donating a solar photovoltaic system for the Dunsborough Hall.

“The hall is run by the community, for the community,” DDPA chairwoman Jacquie Happ said.

“This will reduce electricity bills substantially … and we’re really grateful.”

As part of the bulk-buy arrangement, Save Energy will donate a solar PV system to a not-for-profit community group or organisation for every 25 installations.

NREG smashed its first target in just six months and is well on its way to hitting its second.

Save Energy sales manager Sean Scanlon told the Times the plan was for 100 installations this year.

“We want to get that renewable message out so we’ll be donating another system exactly the same,” he said.

NREG will host a community meeting on April 2, from 3.30pm-5.30pm, at Barnyard 1978 in Yallingup for residents and groups to learn more about the bulk-buy deal.

Chairman Christian Fletcher said the meeting would also discuss battery storage systems and potential for a community-owned solar plant.

“Our aim is to make the region 100 per cent renewable by 2025,” he said.

“This is why we’re having the meeting; to discuss how we can make it happen.”

For more information, find Naturaliste Renewable Energy Group on Facebook.