Rooftop solar to slash community housing energy bills by 30 pct, at no cost to tenants

Believe Housing Australia, the housing arm of AnglicareSA, has rolled out solar panels on 13 community housing properties in Adelaide’s north thanks to an interest-free loan from climate action charity CORENA.

A $100,000 interest-free loan from CORENA has allowed Believe Housing Australia to install smart solar systems and panels from 369 Labs on community housing properties in Pennington, Mansfield Park, and Ingle Farm.

The solar systems are fully paid for, maintained, and owned by AnglicareSA and Believe Housing Australia, ensuring that tenants of the affordable housing properties are left with no installation expenses.

The $100,000 interest-free loan from CORENA came entirely from community donations by people across Australia who donate to the not-for-profit’s revolving climate fund.

“The partnership with CORENA, AnglicareSA, 369 Labs, and Beat Energy means our tenants can reduce their cost of living and their carbon footprint,” said Stacey Northover, Believe Housing Australia’s executive general manager.

“With no out-of-pocket expenses for tenants, this solar initiative helps to reduce bills, contribute positively to the environment, and educate our tenants to better understand and control how and when to use energy throughout the day.

Believe Housing Australia expects the new smart solar systems and panels will help cut the annual electricity costs of their tenants by up to 30% per year. This latest installation project also brings the total number of Believe Housing Australia community housing properties powered by solar to over 70 homes.

“As we work towards our goal of increasing the supply of social and affordable housing in South Australia, we’re committed to ensuring that we’re developing sustainable homes suitable for the long-term,” said Northover.

“With the panel installations recently completed, tenants will soon begin reaping the benefits of their newly solar-powered homes.”

CORENA, which stands for Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network Australia, are also on the lookout for other community housing providers who would like to emulate the work of Believe Housing Australia.

“We would love to hear from other community housing providers looking to implement similar climate projects,” said Sarah McCabe, CORENA’s head of operations.

“We assist community organisations to fund projects to reduce their carbon emissions,” she said.

“This is our fiftieth climate action project, and we have provided more than $1.15 million in interest-free loans for community organisations to reduce their emissions.”

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