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Helping the Salvos shine brighter with solar

We are partnering with the Salvation Army to deliver solar systems that help to lower their energy costs, so they can do more for vulnerable communities.
5 min read
Last updated 26 Feb, 2025

Over the past three years, we’ve partnered with The Salvation Army to deliver solar energy systems at hundreds of Salvos sites across Australia. In 2024 these systems freed up over $1.5 million to help vulnerable Australians and avoided over 3000 tonnes (CO2-e) in greenhouse emissions nationally*. 

This is a game-changing partnership with one of Australia’s oldest and most respected charities seen as a cornerstone of community outreach. Along with life-changing essentials like food, clothing and shelter, the Salvos offer services to empower people with skills and resources to improve their lives. 

This focus on a sustainable future for people aligns with our vision for renewable energy – making it a great opportunity to partner with them to help our community. Drawing on our resources and expertise in energy, we’re helping to make a difference that isn’t just a one-off project but a more long-term sustainable approach.  

We're proud to be powering the Salvos’ journey towards decarbonisation. This partnership isn’t just helping to reduce emissions. It’s helping the community as well. As we help reduce their operating costs with solar power, including installation and ongoing monitoring and management, the Salvos have more cash to lend a hand to those who need it. 

It’s something tangible that will make a long-term impact. And while we help reduce The Salvation Army’s reliance on grid power, we also contribute to our sustainability mission. 

Making a contribution that lasts

So far, solar has been rolled out to 222 Salvos sites across Australia, generating a total of around 3.6 megawatts (MW) of energy over three years. That includes 182 capital expenditure projects, generating around 2,146 kilowatts (kW), and 40 power purchase agreement (PPA) projects generating around 1,469 kW.

Through the PPA projects, we cover the Salvos’ upfront costs of installing solar power while they simply pay for the energy produced by the system. It’s an easier way to pay for solar energy that makes it more accessible for organisations, especially when facing cash flow pressures. By pouring our energy into making solar possible for more Australians, we've been named Australia's largest commercial solar installer by SunWiz. It’s a role we’re happy to embrace.  

Since working together, we’ve expanded our partnership into their aged care facilities. That’s an additional five sites generating 734 kW so far.

We’ve also got plans in the works for electric vehicle (EV) charging station trials at selected Salvos sites. We recently supported the Salvos to submit a grant application to fund around $1 million of battery projects at 22 of their sites in Victoria. Grants are offered as part of the Victorian Government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, and the Salvos will hear the outcome in March 2025.

Birdseye view of Salvation Army Dandenong

A shared vision for our community 

When it comes to a vision for the future, we’re on the same page with The Salvation Army. That’s why this partnership feels so rewarding. Two organisations - one powering community, the other empowering them - both focusing on progress and a better life for everyone.

The Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary, Colonel Winsome Merrett says they couldn’t have even contemplated doing this without AGL taking on the capital costs and supporting through the operational years.

“Substantial savings on running costs free up additional funds for caring for vulnerable Australians. So, we are sincerely grateful to the commitment shown by AGL to set us on a more sustainable path across Australia as we care for people and our planet,” Colonel Winsome Merrett said.

A proud supporter of The Salvation Army, AGL has contributed over $400K to the Salvos over the past three years to support community members experiencing hardship and loss. 

 

*Based on the displacement of the equivalent amount of power being sourced from the grid at a higher emissions intensity. Calculated as scope 2 emissions (Table 1, NGA Factors August 2023). 

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