Solar Gardens: Empowering Renters with PV Benefits
For many renters and apartment residents, rooftop solar has remained an unattainable dream. However, the Haystacks Solar Garden in the Riverina region of NSW is changing the game with its innovative approach, making solar energy accessible to a wider audience.
As Australia’s pioneering large-scale solar garden, Haystacks has garnered recognition, including the prestigious Banksia National Sustainability Award. Comprising 175 ‘solar plots’ that draw power from the Grong Grong solar farm, this community-driven initiative is reshaping the landscape of energy distribution, promoting equity and fostering collaboration between major solar projects and local communities.
Empowering Communities through Solar Gardens
Nigel Hancock, representing the community energy organisation Pingala, sheds light on the mechanics of solar gardens and explores the potential for this model to be replicated across various communities nationwide. By democratising access to solar energy, projects like Haystacks are paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive energy future.
Podcast Spotlight: Solar Gardening for Renters
Anne Delaney, the host of the SwitchedOn podcast and an expert in electrification, delves into the concept of solar gardening and its implications for renters and urban dwellers. Through engaging discussions and informative content, the podcast explores how initiatives like Haystacks are revolutionising the renewable energy landscape.
