Nimbin Community Solar Farm
A project of the Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre in partnership with Rainbow Power Company, generating sustainable employment in Nimbin.
The Outcome
The 45kW Solar Farm was installed on the rooftops of six community-owned buildings and now generates 61,000 kWh per annum, which is the equivalent of 23 average households.
Furthermore, the farm created three permanent jobs, three short-term jobs, one traineeship and five work experience placements.
The solar farm, in conjunction with 55 grid interactive solar systems installed in the village in 2008, as well as hundreds of stand alone solar systems powering homes not on the grid would make Nimbin one of the most energy conscious communities in Australia.
The Supporters
Natalie Meyer (right) - one of the driving forces*
The project was initiated and driven by Nimbin Neighbourhood & Information Centre.
The plans for the farm were designed by Rainbow Power Company, and legal advice was provided by the Environmental Defenders Office, Lismore and Holding & Redlich Lawyers, Sydney.
The panels were mounted on the rooftops of these community organisations:
- Nimbin Community Centre
- Nimbin Bowling Center
- Nimbin Community School Cooperative
- Nimbin Headers Sports Club
- Nimbin School of Arts
- Blue Knob Gallery
* Also pictured (from left): Paul O'Reilly, Adrian Winkler and John Davis from Rainbow Power Company; Paul Le Bars and Lisa Lucken from the Nimbin Neighbourhood & Information Centre. Photo by Cathy Adams, courtesy of Northern Star.