A Historic Solar Initiative to Benefit the Bega Valley
The Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast Inc. SJASC and the Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club Inc. SCHVC have signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ MOU to develop a Pilot Community Solar Garden and Energy Storage System Project in Greigs Flat, NSW.
This pioneering initiative, developed in collaboration with Pyramid Power and Essential Energy, will harness solar power to generate clean, renewable energy at the SCHVC while delivering direct financial benefits to community members experiencing economic challenges across the Bega Valley Shire.
The Pilot Solar Garden and Energy Storage System will feature advanced solar generation coupled with leading-edge energy storage technology. By strategically storing and selling energy at optimal times, the project is expected to generate over $75,000.00 annually, with the proceeds used to support those in need.
Funding for the Future
To bring this vision to life, the project will seek Seed funding, funding through Federal and State Government Grants, Community Fundraising efforts and donations. The total estimated cost based on current market prices is approximately $2 million, with a planned two-year-timeline.
This initiative underscores the importance of community collaboration, with the SJASC, SCHVC, Pyramid Power, and Essential Energy who have joined forces to drive social justice and sustainability in the Bega Valley Shire.
Together, we are setting a precedent for renewable sustainable energy solutions that empower communities that create a lasting social and environmental impact.
SJASC & SCHVC | PR Statement | 15 February 2025
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Pilot Solar Garden Project
Solar Garden Project Plan Brief
1. Introduction of SJASC
The Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast (SJASC) is a community based, not for profit, incorporated charity based in the Bega Valley. We advocate for the rights of all people in the Bega Valley, including the poor, the marginalised, the homeless and the displaced.
We also work to protect the natural environment, and to raise awareness of the continued impacts of climate change. To do this we support a Climate / Environment Sub-group.
We strive to reduce the Bega Valley’s dependency on fossil fuels and seek ways to promote the availability and use, wherever possible, of renewable energy.
– Our plan is to establish a Pilot Project of a Solar Garden Infrastructure to support financially disadvantaged families and individuals within the Bega Valley with the help and support of the Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club.
2. Our Pilot Solar Garden Project Proposal
a. SJASC to Partnership with the SCHVC (Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club)
b. The Benefits to the Community, to the Club and SJASC
Energy Cost Reduction
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The Community |
Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club |
Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast |
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Subsidised Electricity bills |
Reduce the current annual electricity bill of $4,000 to a minimum $expense Reduce the overhead expenditure burden on the club |
Balance of unused Energy Credits to help fund projects to support disadvantaged families/individuals in other ways |
Sustainability Leadership
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The Community |
Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club |
Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast |
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Clean Renewable Energy |
Advocate that supports Clean efficient Renewable Energy for the Community
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Advocates that promote a beneficial sustainable energy practice with a positive impact on the community |
Community Support
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The Community |
Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club |
Social Justice Advocates of the Sapphire Coast |
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Reduce financial burden on families & Individuals |
Advocate that supports disadvantage families Be seen as positive example for other Australian Car Clubs |
Advocates that promote sustainable beneficial energy practices with a positive impact on the community |
Enhanced Infrastructure
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The Community |
Sapphire Coast Historic Vehicle Club |
Social Justice Advocates Sapphire Coast |
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The use of new innovative clean renewable energy over polluting fossil fuels |
New innovative state of the art solar energy & storage technology produced on site reducing the club s overhead expenditure Helping the SJASC in aiding the welfare of financially disadvantaged families & individuals in the Bega Valley
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Advocates for a new innovative clean renewable energy PILOT PROJECT that could expand in the future to benefit more community members |
3. Project Overview
Key Project Components
Innovative – Energy efficient – Sustainable – Environmentally Friendly Electricity
SCHVHCs Solar Array Roof Top Installation |
SJASCs Solar Garden Development |
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Capacity – A 10-kWp (p = peak) for SCHVC – A Separate Meter for SCHVC Location – Solar panels installed on roof tops of 3 SCHVC buildings
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Capacity – 150 kWp (p=peak) in total producing an average of 600 kWh per day – A Separate Meter for SJASC Location – Span the roof tops of 3 SCHVC buildings without disrupting existing operations
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SJASCs Energy Storage & Distribution |
Flywheel Energy Storage System FESS or Solid-state Battery (dependent on cost)– Capacity of 300 kWh storing generated Solar energy – Advantages over Lithium batteries o Longevity, Cost Effectiveness, Safety & Environment Impact Energy Credits – Stored energy fed into the battery & network generating Energy Credits – Accumulating Credits into $ to subsidise Electricity bills for disadvantaged Bega Valley Shire families & individuals – Energy Retailer appointment – To collect & distribute energy and energy credits to SJASCs target group – Manage energy transactions, ensure accurate billing, and facilitate credit allocations to beneficiaries
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4. Stakeholders
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Energy Retailer – Stored energy fed into the battery & – network – generate Energy Credits
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Essential Energy Poles & Wires – Electrical connections to power grid – Infrastructure, maintain & upgrade network, regulatory compliance |
Social Justice Advocate SC – Lead & oversea project – Project Mgt, stakeholder coordination, community engagement & advocacy |
Land Holders – Provide Land & infrastructure for the Solar Garden & battery storage – Manage land use agreement – Work in collaboration with SJASC |
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Financially Disadvantaged – Reduced electricity bills – Application made through Mission Australia etc
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Local Govt & Regulatory Bodies – Permits & regulatory guidance – Compliance with local regulations, environmental assessments & approvals
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Funding Bodies – Provide Grant funds or Investor funds – Monitor financial performance & accountability
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Legal advisors – Guidance & Support – Draft & review contracts – Compliance with legal requirements – Manage legal disputes
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Media & Communications – Promote the project & its benefits – Communications strategy, PR Community & Media
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Technical & Engineering – Design & implement Solar Garden infrastructure – Site assessments, design layout, install & test equipment, system efficiency & reliability |
Equipment Suppliers – Supply Equipment for Solar Garden – Provide Solar Panels, inverters, batteries, essential components, & support management systems
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Essential Energy Utility – Collaborate integration of solar energy into the grid – Facilitate grid connections, stability of power distribution, support management systems
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Integrating a Solar Garden Project into the Grid Network
Linking it with an Energy Retailer
1. Feasibility Study & PlanningAssessment of Site and Resources Regulatory Compliance |
2. Design & EngineeringSystem Design Grid Connection |
3. Financing & ProcurementFinancial Planning Equipment Procurement |
4. Construction and InstallationSite Preparation clear and prepare for construction System Installation solar panels, inverters, transformers, other components, & connection to local grid |
5. Testing and CommissioningSystem Testing of Solar Garden Commissioning by connecting to the grid with approvals |
6. Linking with an Energy RetailerNegotiating a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Integration with Retailer Systems |
7. Operation and MaintenanceMonitoring track performance Maintenance data analytics to check performance |
Solar Garden Project Team: