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Helping the Salvos shine brighter with solar

We’ve partnered 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 12 Feb, 2024

We’ve partnered with the Salvation Army to deliver solar energy systems at up to 850 Salvos sites across Australia. It’s an investment in renewable energy, but more importantly, frees up funds to help vulnerable Australians.

We’re excited about this game-changing new partnership with one of Australia’s oldest and most respected charities that’s a cornerstone of community outreach. 

Along with life-changing essentials like food, clothing and shelter, 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 when it comes to renewable energy, and we saw a great opportunity to partner with them to help our community. 

Drawing on our resources and expertise in energy, we found a way to make a difference that wasn’t just a once-off but a more long-term sustainable approach: solar power for Salvos' sites.

We're proud to be powering The Salvos’ journey towards decarbonisation. We’re helping to reduce their operating costs with solar power, including installation and ongoing monitoring and management. It’s something tangible that will make a long-term difference.

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

We’ll be rolling out the project over the next couple of years at up to 850 sites across Australia, including trials of batteries and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at selected Salvation Army sites.

The solar installations are expected to generate around 23 gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy per year, the equivalent of reducing the Salvos’ annual greenhouse gas emissions by around 17,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.*

Once connected, the selected Salvos sites will only need to access grid power to supplement energy from their solar systems. AGL are reinvesting some of the funds generated by the solar systems into our programs for financially vulnerable customers, so the benefits stay within the community.

Birdseye view of Salvation Army Dandenong

Positive news at the right time 

Installed at a time when so many households were affected financially by the impacts of lockdowns and COVID-19, much of the resources can be directed to helping households with everything from basic needs to financial counselling and mental health support. 

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.

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