Community Energy Revolving Fund
Help Us Grow the Community Energy Revolving Fund!
Supporting community organisations to install solar, batteries and energy efficiency measures.
Helping them cut power bills and carbon emissions.
Although the long-term benefits of renewable energy clearly outweigh the upfront cost, often not-for-profit community organisations simply do not have the upfront capital to fund the installation of solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Geelong Sustainability established the Community Energy Revolving Fund (CERF) in 2022, with the purpose of providing interest-free loans to not-for-profit community organisations who are seeking to install renewable energy systems, undertake energy efficiency upgrades, switch away from fossil fuels or upgrade to electric vehicles. The CERF has already supported 283 kW of solar and 15 hot water heat pumps across nine sites in the Barwon South-West region.
The CERF is part of the Community Power Hub - a broader program to provide expert advice and support for local not-for-profit organisations. The fund along with the revolving fund builds community energy resilience and helps local organisations to cut power bills and reduce emissions.
We'd appreciate any donation you can manage to help the fund grow so that more not-for-profits can benefit. Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
How it Works
The Revolving Fund provides interest-free loans which are paid back to the fund from energy bill savings over a five-year period, ensuring community organisations remain net positive for the cycle of the loan.
Once the loan is repaid, the revolving fund can support other community energy projects, so the cycle continues with other not-for-profit community beneficiaries. And, the organisation's energy savings are now able to go into supporting their own community initiatives.
Funded Projects
60 kW solar system for YMCA Newtown Stadium.
20 kW solar system for Freshwater Creek Steiner School.
10 kW solar system for Torquay Community House.
25 kW solar system for Cloverdale Community Centre.
91 kW solar system for Lonsdale Links Golf Club.
35 kW of solar across Bellarine Community Health sites.