SOLAR FOR STRATA
A Zero Emissions Noosa Initiative
ZEN has nominated the strata sector as a priority for growing the uptake of solar in the Noosa Local Government Area.
In addition to environmental benefits, renewable energy projects, such as solar, batteries, heat pumps, and electric vehicle chargers, can also provide economic benefits to bodies corporate. We work in partnership with the sector to assist in overcoming the many barriers facing body corporate committees when considering solar and renewables projects.
The good news is that ZEN Inc, with funding from Noosa Shire Council, has released an online “How to Manual” for Solar for Strata, drafted by the independent renewable energy consultancy the Solar Revenue Company. The Manual is Stage 2 of Zen Inc’s Solar for Strata initiative and sets forward three different models for Solar Revenue for Strata, as well as a simple Solar for Strata model. These models encompass the variety of differing strata properties out there and are based on real-life examples from the sector. The Manual provides advice for building managers, body corporate committees and body corporate managers alike.
SOLAR FOR STRATA - STAGE THREE IMPLEMENTATION
Local businesses have successfully implemented the Solar For Strata Initiative and are thrilled with the results. Have a look at the exciting video below for some examples of how local businesses are now thriving with Solar.
If you have any Solar for Strata queries, or would like to be kept up to date, please email admincoordin@zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au.
HISTORY OF ZEN’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE SOLAR FOR STRATA SECTOR
Zero Emissions Noosa commenced work with this sector in 2020 with a Solar for Strata Masterclass with Tourism Noosa, but had to delay our plans due to COVID–19. With the assistance of funding from Noosa Council, Zero Emissions Noosa returned to this sector in 2022, with three key initiatives:
presentations to local body corporate stakeholders
free feasibility studies for 8 bodies corporate
the “How to” Solar for Strata online Manual
ZEN acknowledges the support of Noosa Council via an Environment Project GrantClimate Change Response.
FREE INDEPENDENT SOLAR PRESENTATIONS
Zero Emissions Noosa held two industry sector events, sponsored by Noosa Shire Council:
Noosa Lakes Resort video by Watershed, Australia
“Solar for Strata: A New Era” - 1st March 2022
Those involved in the “first of a kind” solar revenue for strata presented the details, hurdles, and successes of the 550kW community-wide solar project at Noosa Lakes Resort, completed in 2021. The session aimed to enthuse body corporate committees to investigate a solar project, encouraged by the successful solar revenue solution at the Noosa Lakes Resort, which raised $120,000 gross revenue in the first 12 months.
Watch the video for more information.
You can read about the Noosa Lakes project in the ZEN Newsroom which features the story in Resort News, and an article in Sunshine Coast Daily.
FREE FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Local bodies corporate were invited to apply to be chosen as one of the “Lucky 8” - a broad spread of body corporate properties: big and small, residential, resort, commercial and mixed - to receive a Solar for Strata Feasibility Assessment, carried out by the Solar Revenue Company, delivered by ZEN Inc, funded by Noosa Shire Council.
The aim was to overcome the common hurdles causing a lag of uptake of solar in strata properties, compared to non-strata residences (c50%), and businesses (c46%) in the Noosa Shire. Those hurdles are cost, and effort.
Volunteer committee members already give considerable time to the maintenance and renovation of the buildings at their scheme’s properties, without undertaking “non-essential” works, funds for which are rarely allocated in the Sinking Fund Forecast. The feasibility of a “New Era, Solar for Strata” revenue solution – one of the only building works that earns, rather than costs money – was to be determined for those Lucky 8 sites, free of charge, and the lessons learned from those Lucky 8 were to be shared with the industry.
The Feasibility Assessments included independent advice on:
feasibility of a solar or solar revenue installation at each site;
various finance model options available;
advice as to who can assist in regulatory and legal compliance;
various solar models available; and
support available for volunteer committees in deciding on, and implementing solar solutions.
Each Feasibility Report included recommendations and a specific Action Plan for the Body Corporate Committee to determine whether to take the next step on the solar journey.
“The free Feasibility Study meant these site’s solar feasibility was fully investigated without the committee having to do the work, and without having to pay the experts to do it either.”
The learnings from this Stage 1 of ZEN Inc’s Strata for Solar – A New Era project were then shared with the sector at the next event:
“Solar for Strata: Lessons from the Lucky 8” - 15th November 2022
The Lucky 8 experiences were collated into four distinct solar for strata models, which were explained and discussed at the event. Email info@solarrevenue.co for a copy of the slides if you were unable to attend. A video of the event is below
ZEN Inc. share Noosa Shire Council’s goal of achieving zero net emissions by 2026, but this initiative has clearly shown that in addition to the obvious environmental benefits of solar and renewables, there are significant economic benefits to the local economy too.
The economic potential for Noosa included:
Potential installation costs >$1.3m
Potential solar revenue >$315,000* per year (over $7m over the solar 20+ year lifetime)
* Cash equivalent remaining in the Noosa economy (at 25c/kWh), being diverted from electricity retailers to BCs.
The Australasian Strata Insights 2020 reported there were over 340,000 strata schemes in Australia. The above figures were from just eight BC properties in Noosa. Imagine the potential…
“Instead of flowing to electricity providers, an enormous cash equivalent now remains in the hands of Noosa businesses and residents, enriching the local economy.””
A Q&A Panel, including Councillors, Council staff and representatives from those involved in the Noosa Lakes project, fielded questions from an engaged and enthusiastic audience.
A video of the event is available below.
SUPPORT FOR ZEN INC’s SOLAR FOR STRATA INITIATIVE
Thank you to Team Body Corporate, The Solar Revenue Co., Tourism Noosa and Noosa Council for their support and helping us make these events and initiatives possible.
Progress updates - Solar for Strata - A new Era
