Connecting. Inspiring. Creating. The People’s Solar is a full service crowdfunding platform for solar projects, bringing communities together for lasting impact.
How it works
– Crowdfund solar panels.
– Save on energy bills.
– Invest your savings into a community cause.
– Make new friends and connections along the way. Simple.
STEP 1: We support YOU, every step of the way – from DEVELOPING YOUR STRATEGY and fundraising narrative, to EXECUTING YOUR CAMPAIGN.
STEP 2: WE provide energy audits and INDEPENDENT solar advice to ensure you get the right solution every time (including energy efficiency)
STEP 3: $100 invested in solar power could save up to $400 over 20 years – providing sustainable, ongoing support for your cause.
ALL PROJECTS ARE HOSTED WITH OUR PARTNER POZIBLE, A GLOBALLY RECOGNISED LEADER IN CROWDFUNDING.
Partnering
We are creating a world class, clean energy ecosystem that works to strengthen and enhance communities. Contact us to discuss what partnering looks like, or come back soon (we will be sharing more details here soon)
Case Studies
Together with our partners and project supporters, we have raised over $250,000 for solar projects since 2014 – this is how it happened.
1. Footscray community arts centre (FCAC): Footscray Community Arts Centre (FCAC) is a community-engaged, contemporary arts centre working with local, regional and international communities. Combining a mix of crowdfunding, corporate support, philanthropic giving and government grants, they raised $100,000 for solar, battery storage and LED lighting upgrades. Over $15,000 will be saved on energy bills each year, and invested in their community arts program “Call to create”.
2. Abbotsford Convent
The Abbotsford Convent is Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. The former “Convent of the Good Shepherd”, this ex-monastic site is now owned by the Abbotsford Convent Foundation (ACF) – a not-for-profit organisation which operates the Abbotsford Convent on behalf of the public. Today, the Convent is home to over 100 studios, two galleries, cafes, a radio station, school and an abundance of green open space. Over $60,000 was raised through crowdfunding, and with corporate match-funding of $60,000 they raised sufficient funds to install a 99kW solar system. Savings will be invested in preserving the iconic Convent gardens.
3. St Kilda community housing
St Kilda Community Housing (SCH) (and its predecessor the St Kilda Rooming House Issues Group) has provided affordable accommodation options for single people in the St Kilda area for over 25 years. Over the years SCH has worked hard to improve the quality of housing for single people. Over $25,000 was raised through crowdfunding and events, funding a solar and LED upgrade at 56 Jackson St, St Kilda. Savings on energy bills are being invested into T2M – a property maintenance social enterprise which trains and employs people at risk of homelessness.
About Us
We are a mix of energy geeks, change agents, and people passionate about their community.
The Founders
Tosh szatow: Tosh takes care of the technical stuff for The People’s Solar, and loves working with diverse communities to deliver great outcomes, playing the role of translator. He has been a consumer advocate, CSIRO scientist and is always up for taking on crazy ideas, so long as they are crazy enough to work. Tosh lives for the moment when project ambitions becomes project realities, usually after months of blood, sweat and tears.
Alex Houlston: Alex leads strategic development and gets hands on for project delivery with The People’ Solar. Alex is the extrovert on the team, sometimes grumpy if his children don’t sleep (or he doesn’t get his morning coffee), he always comes good once talk turns to energy and social impact. Alex thrives on building relationships, won’t stop until the job is finished, and is always willing to roll his sleeves up to get things done on time.