Although the long-term benefits of renewable energy clearly outweigh the upfront cost, often not-for-profit community organisations simply do not have the upfront capital to fund the installation of solar and batteries. In 2019, Healesville CoRE received a $90,000 Federal Government grant to install solar panels on three local not-for-profit groups. For the next two years we worked on the project, developing ideas and plans, collaborating closely with Yarra Ranges Council, sourcing finance, developing contracts, until finally in March 2021, with much excitement, the first panels were placed on the Robyn Jane Children’s Centre. The next not-for-profit group to benefit was Healesville Living & Learning Centre, and finally in June 2022 a 39kw solar system was installed on St Brigid’s Primary School.
But rather than just pay for these systems and walk away, Healesville CoRE established a Community Energy Revolving Fund to offer an interest-free loan without any upfront costs. This means that the three groups are repaying the funds over 7-8 years from the estimated savings on their electricity bill, and once the loan is repaid, they have ownership of the system and will enjoy another 20 to 25 years of free solar electricity. This arrangement allows Healesville CoRE to recover the money to re-use on other, similar installations. Hence, the Revolving Fund.
The Community Energy Revolving Fund builds community energy resilience and helps local organisations to cut power bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Current Projects
Healesville Lions Club and Op Shop
We are excited to announce that we are now working with a fifth group – the Healesville Lion’s Club. Their website states that they are volunteers with a passion for helping others and making a difference in the community – very similar to us at Healesville CoRE! Solar panel installation is due to take place early in 2026.
Read more…Past Projects
Yarra Valley FM Radio Station
The accumulation of funds from the three loans allowed us to fund another community group, and in July 2024, our local Yarra Valley FM Community Radio Station came on board. They decided to include a 5KW battery with their 8KW of panels, to make best use for the running of radio equipment day and night.
Read more…Saint Brigid’s Catholic Primary School
At the end of 2022, St Brigid’s Primary School became the third recipient of the original scheme, installing 71 solar panels rated to produce a total of 32.6 kW of power.
Read more…Healesville Living and Learning Centre
Healesville Living & Learning Centre was the next group to benefit from the scheme. This community organisation provides a space for classes and activities to help participants build skills, make friends and connect to further work, study and volunteering opportunities, so it was a pleasure to help them reduce their ongoing costs through decreased power bills.
Read more…Robyn Jane Children’s Centre
The first installation took place at the Robyn Jane Children’s Centre in February 2021, with 56 solar panels lifted onto the rooftop.
Read more…The Future…
Our next project…
Are you part of a community group who would benefit from the savings offered from installing solar panels and solar battery?
Contact us to have a conversation, by clicking on this card.