While Canberra still debates renewable energy and climate change, locals in the Blue Mountains are getting on with real action.
Blue Mountains Renewable Energy Co-op (BMRenew.org) has just arranged for 8kW of solar panels to be installed on the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre building in Lawson. Powering the vital non-profit Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, plus the many community events held in the building, the system can potentially save more than $2500 in power costs and over 11 tonnes of CO2 being released each year.
The system was funded thanks to a grant from Powershop as well as local fundraising.
“We are delighted we could build on our past project that delivered solar panels to Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre, to repeat with a bigger and better system in Lawson,” said BMRenew chair, Michael Skeggs.
“It was a real community effort, with help from the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre team, Esmart Solar from Winmalee doing the work, and the Blue Mountains City Council helping to co-ordinate. We’d like to thank Powershop for their generosity, and the many locals who have donated to us at the Magpie Markets, our Harvest Festival stall, and our volunteers at Blackheath Farmers markets.”
“If we can knock $2500 off our power bills each year, we’ll be in a better position to continue running programs and services that make people in our community feel more supported, connected, and able to enjoy life,” said Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre manager Mick Barratt.
BMRenew hopes the new system will inspire other businesses and non-profits in the Mountains to consider renewable energy.
“The economics of solar payback in the Mountains have never been better. Most homes or businesses would see their investment returned in less than five years, then all the power generated is free,” said Mr Skeggs.
Formed in 2013, the Blue Mountains Renewable Energy Co-op is a volunteer-run group that offers impartial advice to residents and businesses considering renewable energy, promotes community-owned energy, and campaigns for better energy outcomes for the Blue Mountains.