• Allowing people regardless of tenancy/ownership to realise the benefits of solar on their electricity bill
• 175 ‘plots’ taken up as of April 2024
• Fully subscribed solar farm with cooperative ‘plots’ at a niche size
• Demonstration of model to expand ownership within existing regulatory framework

• What problem(s) does the case study aim to resolve? The project aims to solve the issue of people, especially apartment owners, who can’t install solar panels on their own properties. The Haystacks Solar Garden gives them the opportunity to invest in solar energy by purchasing plots hosted by the 1.5MW Grong Grong Solar Farm in the Riverina region.

• What were the social objectives (if any)? The main social goal was to make renewable energy more accessible, allowing more people to participate in the clean energy transition. The project received a grant specifically for community energy initiatives, helping to cover costs and expand involvement. It also emphasizes strong community engagement in renewable energy projects, ensuring that local communities benefit socially, environmentally, and financially.

• What were the environmental objectives (if any)? The environmental objective was to expand access to solar power, allowing people without rooftops to invest in and benefit from renewable energy.

• To what degree were participants actively involved in design or operation? The project was largely driven by members of the Pingala cooperative, along with other key partners, who played an active role in its development and operation.

• Was participation financially or socially incentivized or both? Participation was primarily incentivized as a financial investment, offering returns through energy credits.

• What degree of demand response flexibility was provided? There was no requirement for participants to adjust their energy use. Instead, they received bill credits based on the energy generated by their solar garden plots

The solar gardeners, who mostly live in cities hours away, will get at least $455 off their power bills for the next decade, with $505 a year for the first five years locked in.

A key lesson learned from the project development process is the importance of careful financial planning. Good accountants and financial planners are crucial. Early feasibility studies, costing around $30,000–$50,000, can become outdated in 6 to 18 months, so balancing early investment and securing detailed project plans is crucial. Additionally, raising funds at the right time is essential—too early and investors may be nervous; too late and the project may carry too much debt.

Partnerships with community energy groups, such as regular communication, are vital for project success. The construction phase requires just as much attention as development and finance, especially regarding safety and metering. Delivery is just as intense as finance and development!

For community groups looking to partner with industry, the top tips include defining clear objectives, regular communication, prioritizing “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves,” and finding a patient landowner. The Regional Community Energy Fund from the NSW Government provided 50% of project costs, which was crucial for the project to get over the line.

The official launch of the Haystacks Solar Garden in Grong Grong was April 27 2024, some 5 years after project conception.

• Wider Participation in Solar Energy: The project successfully enabled 333 cooperative members to benefit from solar energy without the need for rooftop installations.
• Financial Savings: Participants received on-bill credits valued at approximately $505 per year, helping them reduce electricity costs.
• Community Engagement: The cooperative model allowed members to actively participate in project decisions, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration.
• Environmental Contribution: The project contributed to reducing carbon emissions by generating clean energy through a 1.5MW solar farm.
• Media and Public Attention: The project garnered significant media attention, raising awareness about the potential of community solar gardens and encouraging replication across other regions.