Installing more solar panels will be the first step to electrify an entire postcode in the Illawarra, with community group Electrify 2515 launching a drive to expand installation in the north Wollongong community.
With the support of Rewiring Australia, Electrify 2515 is applying for funding to create a world-first pilot project to electrify a whole community.
To accelerate electrification, Electrify 2515 is launching the Community Solar Rollout on Saturday 13 May, 3pm, at Thirroul Community Centre with Dr Saul Griffith and two local solar providers who have partnered with the group.
The providers were selected after extensive research and vetting, and will provide a discount to residents and businesses living in the postcode of 2515.
Electrify 2525 team member Denise Aubourg said installing more solar panels throughout the community is a simple and cost-effective way to accelerate the electrification transition.
"Australian rooftop solar is the cheapest source of energy. This installation drive will not only kickstart the electrification journey for the community but also help residents ease cost of living pressures. The more solar there is, the cheaper power becomes for the whole community.
"Solar is the basic building block to creating our all electric future. Solar unlocks the potential to switch off polluting gas appliances and replace them with efficient, electric ones making it a good decision from an economic, health and environmental standpoint.
Kristen McDonald, Electrify 2515 coordinator said: "We know there is confusion and distrust about genuine, quality solar panel providers. This installation drive aims to help overcome this barrier.
"This is more than installing efficient and renewable technology - it's also about collectively shifting to a new way of thinking about energy use. Electrify 2515 wants to improve behaviours around load shifting, where community members re-adjust their energy usage to consume more during the day and also think about future uses - it won't be long until electric vehicles are parked in many driveways."
Electrify 2515 is a community-led initiative made up of locals working to try to create Australia's first all electric, zero emissions community.
