Solar a net-positive investment for Vinnies

Vinnies shopfronts are ubiquitous in cities and towns around Australia. They are as well-loved as the second-hand clothes and homewares sold within.

Vinnies have been doing “circular economy” since before the term even existed. They opened their first ACT shop selling second-hand goods in Narrabundah in 1964.

More than 50 years later, sustainability is a core value of the charity. Installing rooftop solar on their premises is their latest sustainability initiative.

Vinnies was recognised for their sustainable efforts in the 2022 Climate Choices Business Awards.

The challenge

“Vinnies is committed to protecting the environment through sustainable business practices. We always seek out ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Project and Business Development Manager, Elizabeth.

“Making sustainable choices can lead to significant cost savings. As a business professional, balancing our organisation’s values and financial costs is where I can make a difference.

“I was interested to see how installing solar panels on our buildings could help us. Could they help us save money while also furthering our aim to reduce our carbon footprint?

The action

“In early 2021, we partnered with Solar Choice to evaluate our electricity usage across our stores and head office. We asked if installation of solar would both reduce our carbon footprint and generate a positive return on investment within 5 years.

“Modelling demonstrated that solar would be a good choice for all 16 of the facilities evaluated by Solar Choice. Solar installations would produce a positive return on investment from day one. They would also provide significant cost savings from years 6-20 of system life. Actual savings have exceeded the modelling due to increases in energy costs since we installed our systems.

“Solar Choice helped us identify optimum system sizes for each location. They took into account current and planned energy use, roof size and orientation, and other contributing factors.

“We obtained quotes from different installers. We evaluated the proposed solutions to ensure specifications met our requirements. We then secured a 5-year solar lease to finance the installation, which is fully offset by energy savings.

“Our installations commenced in June 2021. They are now complete, despite COVID lock downs and a lot of inclement weather which created delays at some sites.

The benefit

“We now have 16 rooftop solar systems that create up to 80% of the power used at the sites at which they are installed. The systems range in size from 6.6kW to 30kW, giving a total 200kW of solar power capacity.

“We generate a significant part of our power through solar. This is projected to reduce our carbon footprint over the next 20 years by more than 4,600 tonnes.

“We have shared our experience of investigating, selecting and financing our solar installations with other organisations and community groups. We want to help others progress in their sustainability journeys too.

“I was proud when our achievements were lauded in front of hundreds of attendees at a Catholic Diocese event. It was an honour to be recognised as a Corporate Climate Leader at the Climate Choices Business Awards.

“I’m looking forward to reducing the Society’s Carbon Footprint further. We are now identifying a second wave of solar sites, including our newly refurbished warehouse in Mitchell.”

Is your business, organisation or event making efforts to reduce waste, increase sustainability and lower its carbon footprint? Get recognised with a Climate Choices Business Award!