Narooma Marine Rescue has been the recipients of a new solar array and battery backup that will augment the existing emergency power facility for wireless communications thanks to volunteer group SHASA.
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Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) is a volunteer community group committed to supporting the transition of renewable energy and together with Bodalla based Micro Energy Systems Australia (MESA) have just completed their 11th solar installation on community buildings in the Eurobodalla including their third in Narooma.
SHASA spokesperson, Kathryn Maxwell said the latest project on the roof of Narooma Marine Rescue was turned on recently after initially hitting a problem after it was first proposed back in 2020.
"The roof of the Marine Rescue building was corrugated asbestos and for safety reasons it had to be replaced before the solar panels could be installed.
"The 6.3kW PV solar array is coupled with a 6.3kWh battery that augments and expands the existing emergency power facility looks after wireless communication.
"The new hybrid system backs up the small UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) packs that support phone and internet communications as well as maintaining lighting in the building during a mains power blackout," she said.
SHASA applied for grants on behalf of organisations to fund the installations with the first Narooma system installed at Monty's Place and a second on the new Narooma Men's Shed.
"Some of the grants have only partially covered the cost and where the organisation has had limited funds, the shortfall has been covered by SHASA and MESA," Ms Maxwell said.
If you belong to a community group that might benefit from a solar installation, SHASA would love to hear from you by emailing contact.shasa@gmail.com
SHASA is championing renewable energy, sustainability and community resilience projects across the shire.
