In March last year, we posted about ‘Turn the Lights On’, a project by Footscray Community Arts Centre to install solar panels, battery storage and LED lights, thanks to a crowdfunding campaign. We’re now happy to report that the project has exceeded expectations and has installed 163 solar panels, 159 LED building lights and 8 LED theatre lights as well as a Tesla Powerwall Battery. Already this effort has reduced FCAC’s daily spending on electricity by 40 – 60%. The centre is now planning further environmental upgrades and the next step is to install LED lighting in its well-used Gabriel Gallery.
We’re also proud to let you know that Maribyrnong City Council is one of the FCAC’s major partners in ‘Turn the Lights On’, with The People’s Solar, Creative Partnerships Australia and The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.
The state government recently announced support for ‘community power hubs’ to develop and drive community investment in renewable energy projects. So, we should see more development of innovative funding models like the one used by FCAC in Victoria in future.
Call the FCAC directly to find out more about their project and make a donation to future work: 9362 8865.
(Photo: solar installers on the roof of FCAC.)
