Progress for hometown solar project

15 August 2020

Thunderbolt Proposed Plan

Meralli Solar ‘s 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 commenced in June 2020.

In keeping with their commitment to engage with the local community and stakeholders throughout the development and life of the project Meralli Solar is shortly holding a series of community information sessions in August. Planned sessions in light of COVID-19 will be held via videoconference, however if you are unable to attend virtually but have questions, please email admin@meralliprojects.com.au

Meralli’s community information session will provide an update on consultation and progress to date on the proposed Thunderbolt Community Solar Farm. At these sessions Meralli will show attendees what the potential solar farm will look like, how it will be built, the build time frame, address potential benefits and opportunities for the New England community, and provide attendees with an opportunity to ask any questions of its Principals, David Mailler and Methuen Morgan that you may have.

Community Information Sessions August / September 2020

Thunderbolt Community Solar Farm

Friday, 21 August at 12 pm

Wednesday, 26 August at 7 pm

Friday, 28 August at 12 pm

Tuesday, 1 September at 12 pm

Friday, 4 September at 12 pm

10 June 2020
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.

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.