Billen Cliffs Hall solar installation

The Owners Corporation applied to the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts under the Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP) for a rebate to install a grid-interactive solar power system on our community hall. The application was successful and the department funded half the cost of the system.

The initial system was installed in September 2009 and consisted of:

• 6 x 175W solar panels (1050W total)

• 1 x grid-feed 2kW inverter

• Framing, circuit breakers, wiring, labels etc.

The system will generate about 1706 kW hours per year.

The total cost of the system installation was $13,442 and was performed by KS Solar of Kyogle.

(*NB - The system has been upgraded - it now has six more panels and deep cycle batteries are planned for a later date.)

Project overview

The majority of houses on this community are already solar powered, being without grid access. Now the Owners Corporation has installed a grid connected solar system at Billen Cliffs Community Hall so that we can not only meet our own needs but feed power back into the grid at times of surplus. We can further promote renewable energies and model good citizenship to the wider community in relation to our own power consumption.

Our community hall is currently connected to 240v mains power. The Hall is available for use to the wider community, and has now been accepted onto the Lismore City Council historical listing. We are the only Hall in a 20km radius.

The balance of funding for the solar system was raised by the Owners Corporation by AGM resolutions and levy contributions as part of our 50-year plan.

Our installers provide ongoing technical support. The Executive Committee of the Owners Corporation provides long-term administrative support, report-backs, and conduct ongoing promotions and publicity etc. A separate Hall management sub-committee provides day-to-day hall management.

The strata plan’s interest in solar power to date has been high with most dwellings already operating on stand-alone solar systems. There has been a high level of community interest and support for the installation of solar power at the Community Hall. On-site displays and community forums will provide educational facilities to the wider community regarding renewable energies and set an example for sustainability.

The system takes advantage of the north facing roof aspect of the hall to supplement/replace the Hall’s demand for electricity use. General operations require use of power tools, lights, audio-visual equipment, refrigerators, computers, other office equipment etc. When not in use for community events, it will daily generate power back into the local electricity grid.

Our strata plan is unique in the world, and was founded as a ‘Solar Village’ almost 30 years ago. Our online presence showcases our ideals for a sustainable community and self-sufficiency to the world. Billen Cliffs attracts many eco-tourists and visitors each year and many of these visitors will be able to use the Hall for education/information and to use computers and charge devices etc.

While most residences at Billen Cliffs Village already operate on independent solar systems, by installing a grid-feed PV system on the roof of the community hall, our community buildings are also solar powered, and supplying power back into the local power grid – potentially a lot more than we use. By being an entirely solar powered village we demonstrate how a strata plan can benefit from PV systems and energy efficiency, while continuing towards our goal of a zero carbon footprint and being a globally recognised, ecologically sustainable village.