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Island Energy is Helping Forward-Thinking School Camps and Venues Become More Sustainable

Island Energy is a Preferred Supplier of the Australian Camps Association.

Island Energy has partnered with Victorian Camps and Accommodation providers for the last 12 months to develop simple and cost effective ways in which they can move toward carbon neutrality and energy independence.

The State and Federal government are offering incentives to businesses to invest in clean energy solutions. Solar Victoria offers a $3,500 rebate and the Federal Government's STC program provides rebates of up to $15,000 for a 30kW Solar System.

Camps are in a unique position to aim for carbon neutrality due to their open spaces and rooftop availability - a perfect opportunity to install solar panels and battery systems. Easy wins can be achieved with Island Energy’s green assessment program.

As camp guests are largely school groups, there is a massive opportunity to facilitate education opportunities for teachers, students and education leaders on the importance of ‘Green Camps’, sustainability and resilience and become progressive leaders in the space.

Cave Hill Creek owner Tim Chandler says “Camps are one of life's great experiences, it's the development of future generations, opportunities for kids, whether that's canoeing or bike riding, it's an important part of growing up and becoming a mature young person”.

“Young people are more aware of the importance of climate action, and every little bit that we can do as camp businesses will demonstrate our commitment to to future generations” says Joel Thompson, Island Energy Solar on Camps Program Manager.

A typical 30kW system, generating around 45,000kWh per year in electricity will save a camp $13k - $15k per year in electricity bills. This typical system costs around $45k fully installed, but after rebates and ACA Member discounts, will have an out of pocket cost of less than $30k. This provides a return on investment of 2 years.

For our larger clients who use upward of 150,000kWh per year, the rebate from the Federal Government operates on a sliding scale. For example, a camp that has 150-200 beds might use approximately 150,000kWh per annum, allowing access to a rebate of $75,000.

Going solar now has never been more affordable. Most camps are paying less per month for a low interest Solar System finance plan than they were paying for their monthly electricity bills, making it both a sustainable move toward carbon neutrality and a smart business decision.

Interested in learning more? Complete this quick form:
https://www.solaroncamps.com.au/apply or call/text Joel Thompson on 0411 677 275 or email joel.thompson@islandenergy.com.au

Image Description: Aerial view of the brand new high quality 29.7kW Solar System installed at Cave Hill Creek

Photo: John Robinson, Camp Manager
at Cave Hill Creek and Joel Thompson,
Island Energy Solar on Camps Manager discussing the recent 29.7kW Solar roof installation.

Photo: YMCA Camp Mt Evelyn staff
with Joel Thompson from Island Energy
discussion what a roadmap to carbon neutrality could look like including environmental activities for campers as
well as reducing grid energy consumption onsite to become more renewable.