Welcome
This site outlines the history and achievements of one of Australia’s first community purchases of solar panels, run by a small South Australian regional council. Such was its success, it was adopted by a further18 councils across the state. All communities can benefit from such programs.
The program, Community Purchase of Renewable Energy Program (C-PREP) was designed with “the most benefit for the most people” tenet foremost in mind. Its principle architects were the members of the council’s Economic Development Committee. It was initiated in 2009.
The history and background papers found here are freely available to communities. Some may be a little dated, but the technology and the means to distribute it widely have not varied - nor the economic and ecological benefits that flow with such programs.
As more people become familiar with the benefits that renewable energy technologies offer, the ability to lower their energy bills while lowering their carbon footprint - Australians as a whole may be able to lessen their dependence on privately owned energy producers and distributors.
Most energy generated across Australia today remains primarily driven by coal and gas.
Hopefully renewable energy programs like solar/wind and others, will lead to a more stable, cleaner, and cheaper future.
Roy Ramage
