A grassroots national charity that finances climate action projects entirely from donations has helped Adelaide’s iconic non-profit Capri Theatre install a new 71.8 kW rooftop solar system and a 51.2 kWh battery.

Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network Australia (CORENA) provided the $155,302 interest-free loan, which was sourced entirely from donations. The roof of the heritage-listed theatre is not suitable for normal solar panels, so instead a new lightweight type of solar panels were used.

The Capri is an independent, not-for-profit cinema run by volunteers, and it houses the Theatre Organ Society’s unique world-class theatre pipe organ. The majority of the theatre’s energy use is in the afternoon and evenings, and by storing some of their solar energy in an on-site battery rather than sending it to the grid, this energy can then be used onsite at peak demand times, thereby allowing greater uptake of solar in the community and indirectly reducing emissions. 

The new solar system and battery are expected to avoid an estimated 94,458 kWh of grid electricity per year, which is equivalent to ~17 average homes using zero-emission renewable energy instead of grid electricity. It’s expected that solar will reduce Capri’s electricity bill by $32,500 per year, and once the loan is repaid, the theatre can redirect these future savings towards its core purpose of supporting the arts. 

Capri Theatre’s President, Ian Carter, states, “The Capri has been making a concerted effort to reduce its impact on the environment for a number of years, by upgrading to LED lighting, improving recycling efforts, and purchasing compostable consumables. As a not-for-profit, run mostly by volunteers, the Capri is also very conscious of its expenditure. The rising cost of electricity makes transitioning to solar and battery-powered energy the natural next step for the organisation right now, and we are extremely grateful that this is possible for us through CORENA’s funding programme.”

CORENA operates Australia’s longest-running donor-driven revolving fund for practical climate action. CORENA offers interest-free loans to not-for-profit, community, and social enterprise organisations for projects that reduce their carbon emissions. Citizens who want to help reduce emissions make donations to collectively crowdfund these community climate projects. These donations are then returned to the fund in the form of loan repayments, and these funds, plus new donations, are then used again to fund future projects.

CORENA offers interest-free loans to community focused organisations to fund the following project types:

• Solar installations
• Energy efficiency upgrades (including LED lighting, building insulation etc)
• Replacing gas appliances (including water/space heating, cooking) with energy efficient electric alternatives.
• Purchasing electric vehicles
• Any combination of the above – or talk to us about any other project type that will reduce emissions.

To date, CORENA has provided over $1.35 million to finance 52 completed climate action projects across Australia. Collectively, these projects have avoided using approximately 5,594 MWh of grid electricity and its associated carbon emissions.

CORENA’s Patron and Adelaide local, Monica Oliphant AO, DUniSA, shared her fond memories of the Capri, stating “I pass the Capri Theatre regularly with its distinctive and attractive art deco style. A visit there is a special event. The amazing Wurlitzer Organ emerges slowly from beneath the stage, with a  most beautiful and imposing sound resounding round the theatre prior to the commencement of a movie. It’s always a great start to an evening out.

On behalf of our wonderful donors who made this amazing project possible, CORENA is very pleased to have assisted the Capri theatre. We encourage other community organisations to contact CORENA regarding funding and technical advice for their future emissions reduction projects.”

Editors Publicspectrum

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