The Sapphire Coast Social Justice Advocates are celebrating another environmental win after working with Pambula-based solar provider Lakeside Electrical in a project that will see a free 3.3kW solar system installed at Pambula Surf Life Saving Club.
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The SJA's environmental group, Forces for Nature, has seen great success working towards a plastic free Pambula but has also taken an interest in solar energy.
With support and guidance from Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) the group arranged an information night for a group solar purchase that would lead to a community organisation receiving a free solar installation.
SJA member Wendy Wait said the local interest in investing in solar energy was fantastic to see.
"Our goal was to reach 30 solar installs as Lakeside Electrical has agreed to provide a free installation for a community organisation once that number was reached," Ms Wait said.
By early August the installations had gone ahead and now the SJA is looking at the second group purchase.
Ms Wait said that the solar products available through Lakeside Electrical had been positively reviewed by CEFE and Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) a community group which aims to run their town (Yackandandah) on 100 per cent renewable energy.
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"It's a win, win situation. People are contributing to a free install given to a community building whilst supporting a local business," Ms Wait said.
"We plan to hold an information session in September where new packages will be available to individuals and businesses - and we hope again to reach 30 installs so we can again donate a solar system to a community organisation," she said.
Karen and Paul Palacios who own Lakeside Electrical had got involved with the project in its initial stages.
They have been in business for 14 years and involved in solar for that last 10 years.
"The program has increased our workload and meant that we have employed a trade assistant," Ms Palacios said.
Mr Palacios said that overall the pandemic had seen an increase in business for them.
"People can't go overseas and so they are investing in their home. Most trades are saying they're flat out," he said.
Ms Palacios said they would like to encourage businesses to get involved in the next group purchase.
"There are a lot of commercial buildings that could benefit from solar power. They have big roofs, they are there during the day and not at night and the cost of installation is a business expense," Ms Palacios said.
She said the payback period could be as little as two to three years.
The Pambula Surf Life Saving Club system will be installed later this year.
