Can you cut 1 Tonne of carbon pollution out of your life?
Take the challengeThis brings new meaning to drinking a ‘bright’ ale.
If you're looking for a way to justify downing a beer this afternoon then I think we've found it. Sydney brewers Young Henrys are set to build a solar farm atop their Newtown brewing location, and you can have a piece of the pie!
What is a solar farm?
We love solar energy, it's clean, renewable, and in a bright country like Australia it makes sense! Yet for many people it's still not a viable option.
Perhaps you're a renter, your house is in constant shade, or you don't have enough cash for the initial investment. This is where solar farms come in.
A solar farm is community-shared solar energy with multiple subscribers connected to the utility grid. You 'buy in' to solar panels, which are "farmed" in a location that receives optimum sun, and the energy is sent back to you.
READ MORE: How solar energy saves lives
In the case of Young Henrys, community members can become shareholders in the project, buying them part ownership of the future farm.
[Image: Via The Canberra Times] Solar specialist Jake Steele chats to Young Henrys co-owner Oscar McMahon.
Young Henrys, who already bring sustainable practices into their brewing process, will then use the harvested solar energy to power their brewery, reducing 127 tonnes of C02 emissions a year.
The project is being organised in collaboration with energy provider Pingala, who plan to build multiple community-owned solar farms on businesses across Sydney.
Pingala Volunteer Tom Nockholds, told The Canberra Times that solar energy is an avenue that should no longer be ignored, "This idea, [it's] time has really come. We're opening up a new way for people to invest in renewable energy," he said.
"When the Pingala guys came and spoke to us about it, we hadn't had an interest in solar. Being able to put enough aside for large-scale solar wasn't something we could afford…This was the perfect thing for us" said Young Henrys Oscar McMahon.
The project is in initial stages, but it got the green light from City of Sydney who has awarded the initiative $40,000 for innovation!
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