Solar for businesses: when your community helps you go green

Want to install solar panels on your business but can't afford the upfront costs or don’t know where to start? You're not alone. Many small and medium-sized businesses face this exact challenge - they want to reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills, but the initial investment feels out of reach.

That's where community-powered solar changes the game.

The Challenge Small Businesses Face

Traditional solar installation requires significant upfront capital - often tens of thousands of dollars. For small businesses operating on tight margins, that's money that could be going into staff, inventory, or growth. Yet without solar, energy bills keep climbing year after year.

How Community Investment Works

Pingala offers an alternative: we can bring your community together to fund your solar installation. Your customers, employees, and local supporters invest in the Pingala Co-operative, which installs the solar system on your roof at no upfront cost to you.

You then pay for the solar electricity generated - just like you currently pay for grid electricity, but typically at a more stable, predictable rate. Rather than paying a big bank, those payments flow back to community members as dividends, usually 5-8% annually. These could be your employees, customers or neighbours, all a part of the Project and everyone benefiting from it.

After the agreed term (typically 5-10 years), the solar system transfers to you. From that point forward, you're getting free solar power for the remaining life of the panels (another 15+ years).

Real Success Stories

Young Henrys brewery in Newtown was our first project in 2016. We raised $17,500 in just 9 minutes through a community investor event at their tasting bar, installing a 29.9kW system that produces "solar-powered beer." The project was so successful, we did it again in 2021, bringing their site close to 100% solar-powered energy needs.

4 Pines Brewing Company on the Northern Beaches followed with a 100kW system in partnership with ClearSkys, a fellow community energy group. Community investors were drawn from a specially-crafted beer barrel at their Truck Bar - employees, Beer Club members, and local residents all becoming co-owners of their solar installation.

The Sydney Buddhist Centre got a 7.2kW system plus battery storage, funded by Newtown locals and centre members. Allambi Care in Charlestown received a 60.35kW system funded by their community, and Pingala members. The project was endorsed by Lake Macquarie Council. 

The Benefits Beyond Bills

Community solar doesn't just reduce your energy costs - it deepens connections with your customers and local community. Investors become champions for your business, proud co-owners of your sustainability journey. You get to tell a genuine story about community support and environmental action.

And you're helping your community access solar investment opportunities they couldn't get otherwise - especially renters and apartment dwellers who can't install their own panels.

Is your business interested in community-powered solar? We're always looking for new partners who want to go green and strengthen community connections. Get in touch at projects@pingala.org.au