Round two of the Community Renewables Program is about to begin to help Illawarra Shoalhaven residents switch to solar. Photo: Envato Elements.
Illawarra Shoalhaven residents and businesses will again have the chance to cut power bills and reduce emissions as the Community Renewables Program returns for a second round this year.
The initiative – delivered by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) in partnership with Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven councils – aims to break down barriers, simplify the process and create savings for those wanting to flip the switch to solar.
Round one last year saw more than 300 households install solar panels and battery systems, adding more than 1300 kilowatts of new solar capacity and almost 5000 kilowatt-hours of battery storage to the region’s electricity network.
In Wollongong alone, 140 homes participated in the program, with installations expected to generate enough power each year to supply around 300 homes.
The program aims to make it easier for households and businesses to transition to renewable energy by providing clear information, discounted solar and battery packages, and support for navigating available rebates.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation Net Zero manager Patrick Whitford said the strong response to the first round showed there was significant interest for practical solutions to the energy transition.
“The program aims to remove key barriers to renewable energy while building local grid resilience and reducing emissions across the region, and we’re off to a great start,” Mr Whitford said.
Through the program’s partnership with service provider Shine Hub, participants receive an end-to-end service including system advice, installation support and the opportunity to join a virtual power plant (VPP).
A virtual power plant connects multiple home battery systems so they can work together as a coordinated energy network, helping stabilise the grid while also allowing participants to earn additional savings.
He said uptake in the VPP component had been particularly strong, with every household installing a battery through the program choosing to participate.
During this second round, residents and businesses will continue to have access to solar and battery systems at negotiated bulk rates, information sessions and tailored advice.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the initiative was designed to help residents navigate what could otherwise be a confusing process.
“We know many people would like to make the change, but there is so much information out there and so many different choices,” Cr Brown said.
“Residents have told us they need the assistance and reassurance to know which decision is the right one for them.”
She said feedback from those who took part in the first round had been overwhelmingly positive, with participants valuing the chance to speak directly with experts and better understand their options.
“They had many of their questions answered about solar power, batteries and local energy networks, they interacted with the product options and had their pricing quotes broken down in an accessible and clear way,” she said.
Cr Brown said the program also supported council’s broader goal of reducing emissions while helping the community do the same.
“Here at Wollongong City Council we’re on our journey to reaching net zero emissions by 2030 from our services and facilities, while supporting our community to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” she said.
“We’re inspired by how this program is making progress in these goals.”
Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said new data showed more than 250,000 households and busineseses nationally had now installed home batteries through the federal Cheaper Home Batteries program, with strong support particularly in regional areas.
“Cheaper home batteries are helping families cut power bills and get more value from their solar,” Mr Bowen said.
“The postcode data makes it clear this is not an inner-city story, it is a regional story.”
Member for Whitlam Carol Berry said her electorate, which covers a large area of the Illawarra, more than 2100 homes and businesses had already installed battery systems as part of the national program.
“These results show our community is getting on with it, taking up batteries and backing a cleaner energy future that takes advantage of Australia’s abundant renewable resources,” she said.
The strongest update was in the 2530 postcode of Dapto, Horsley and Kanahooka, where 432 Cheaper Home Batteries have been installed, closely followed by the 2527 postcode of Albion Park, Calderwood and Tullimbar with 368.
Residents and businesses in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven can now register their interest for the Community Renewable Program online, with pricing packages, events and installation details to be released in the coming months.
