Community Solar Farm

IMAGINE generating clean and green, renewable power! Tathra Community Solar Farm has with its 30kw solar photovoltaic installation,


Tathra Community Solar Farm – IMAGINE generating clean and green, renewable power!

Technical Details

  • 120 x 250w pollycrystalline Trina solar panels with an installed capacity of 30kw
  • 2 x 15kw Fronius Symo 3 phase inverters – grid connected
  • PV panel angle 15o
  • Mega anchor footings (no concrete)
  • Chiko V frame with Sunlock rails

History

In 2014 Bega Valley Shire Council (Council) formed a partnership with Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) to develop one of Australia's first community solar farms. CEFE is a local not-for-profit registered organisation which has had a national reputation for championing the role of community action to tackle climate change. Through organising multiple events and broader community engagement, CEFE has raised money over many years for local community organisations (e.g. RFS fire sheds, community halls, churches, surf clubs, preschools and a tourist venue) to install solar PV. To further this work CEFE approached Council to develop a joint venture which could be a beacon to other communities around Australia for climate change action. By combining passion and expertise, the Tathra Community Solar Farm project was conceived, built and opened in 2015. The project captures financial savings and reinvests these in other local solar projects - creating a win:win:win for CEFE, Council and the local community.

Arial view of IMAGINE the community solar farm.

Our Supporters

The project has received fantastic support from the local community and various organisations. Community donors, including local business, helped raise valuable funds for the project, while the Tathra Mountain Bike Enduro event provided significant support and funding to make the project a reality. The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage assisted and Bega Valley Shire Council contributed half of the project cost and project managed the design and construction.

and…Award Winning!

The TCSF won a prestigious NSW Green Globe award in 2015 for Excellence in Leadership and Innovation – Climate Change.

Prue Kelly, CEFE; Daniel Murphy, BVSC; Matthew Bell, Ernst & Young - photo OEH

Image: Prue Kelly, CEFE; Daniel Murphy, BVSC; Matthew Bell, Ernst & Young – photo OEH

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