Earlier today Meralli Solar started its consultation process with its neighbours, key stakeholders, and the broader community on the potential to build a community-based solar farm on an industrial property located on Thunderbolt’s Way, Uralla, NSW. Meralli Solar has an option on this property, the final purchase of which is subject to site suitability and the progress of community consultation.
Later today Meralli Solar will be commencing a site survey to assess the site’s suitability. Should the site prove suitable, Meralli will continue to engage and consult with the local community and stakeholders throughout the development and life of the project.
The Meralli process is unique in both its installation and its design. Standing only 80cm above the ground, its ultra – low profile means their builds can be easily screened with hedging and other plantings. The proposal is for an approximately 9MW DC covering a maximum of only 6 hectares of land.
Executive Directors, David Mailler and Methuen Morgan call the New England home and are committed to building a community based solar farm that is sensitive to the unique New England environment. Additionally, the Meralli process does not require a large or specialised workforce. Meralli Solar pride themselves on their commitment to community. Labour, trades, consumables, food, and accommodation will be sourced from within the local community. Meralli’s efficient high-quality installation process and low costs not only mean that it does not require taxpayer subsidies or government assistance of any kind but offers investors an unparalleled return on investment.
This project is in its very early stages and there are many details to be worked through including site suitability, grid connection, development application and approval, and finalising a community investment structure, however, this project begins with extensive community consultation.
For this project, Meralli has engaged community energy specialist Starfish Initiatives to develop a new community investment structure. The goal is to create a way that will open up the project for locals to be able to invest and directly share in the financial benefits. Starfish has previously developed the two Lismore Community Solar farms, one of which is Australia’s largest floating solar farm, in partnership with Lismore City Council.
Meralli Solar provides accessible, affordable energy solutions for: regional industrial estates – behind the pole; regional and remote tourism facilities; large agribusiness; regional councils powering high consumption areas such as water treatment; and regional communities currently at the end of the electricity grid. Meralli Solar are uniquely able to fulfil demand for smaller, cost effective solar plans in the 1MW to 30MW range.
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For enquiries contact:
David Mailler, Executive Director, Meralli Solar, 0487 765 229
Methuen Morgan, Executive Director, Meralli Solar, 0429 192 087
For Community enquiries contact:
Adam Blakester, Executive Director, Starfish Initiatives, adam@farmingthesun.net, 0419 808 900
