Residents of Yackandandah have made considerable savings through using the sun to power their homes. Yackandandah, affectionately known as ‘Yack,’ is more than just a case study in renewable power - it provides other communities with a blueprint for a community-led energy transition.
In 2014 a group residents joined together with a vision of their town operating on 100% renewables by 2024. They called themselves Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY). Through sheer determination, TRY has facilitated over $2 million in community-driven investment into solar and battery systems. Today, 65% of rooftops in Yack boast solar panels, and the town has trialled three pilot microgrids, established a Virtual Power Plant of 210 properties, provided almost all community buildings with solar (five with batteries), and installed two community batteries, Yack01 (274 kWh) and Yack02 (200 kWh).
A Decade of Achievements:
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Yack households with a rooftop solar system save 63% on their power bills and pay off their solar panels in 3-5 years.
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Over $2 million dollars has been invested into solar systems in Yack.
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From 100% dependence on fossil fuels, now a massive 37% of energy is generated by solar power in Yack.
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The community batteries and microgrids support community resilience making sure the emergency services are always powered.
Learning Insights
Trust is Gold
The community-led journey to renewables was not without challenges in Yackandandah. Initially, convincing some residents of the benefits of renewables was difficult. TRY tackled this by prioritising community relationships over short-term project wins. TRY’s approach is pragmatic and innovative; they are always looking for smart ways to use renewables by thinking about energy differently.
The impact of this approach has been profound. An early win occurred in 2017 when TRY collaborated with the town’s Health Service to install 99 kW of solar panels and undertake some efficiency measures. At that time, this saved $35,000 annually, allowing the community to have critical health care services funded.
This isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about community resilience and economic empowerment. Most importantly, through the addition of renewable energy systems, Yackandandah’s emergency preparedness has been boosted, giving the community confidence and peace of mind.
Evolving Better Together
The Yack case study shows the power of grassroots-led energy transitions. It is possible to ignite a community as they embark on social and technological transitions that are needed to ensure safer futures for everyone.
Unlike traditional centralised energy systems Yackandandah’s model boosts the local economy, making energy an asset to individual households and organisations, rather than a financial burden. Further boosting the theme of ‘local energy’, TRY helped establish a community-based energy retailer Indigo Power, now an independent and thriving social enterprise.
As early adopters of renewable energy the town became a valuable testing ground. TRY partnered with Mondo, a subsidiary of AusNet Services, the company that owns Victoria’s electricity transmission network. With Mondo, Yack trialled solar battery and microgrid technology, which is new technology enabling more effective storage of solar power.
Sharing Knowledge and Benefits Builds Community
Yackandandah’s success has spread far and wide and TRY’s experience has informed policy makers in federal, state and local government. Through re-skilling and education Yack’s energy transition has built the capacity of the community to take advantage of the social and economic benefits of renewable power.
Today, Totally Renewable Yackandandah has inspired and supported many other communities to adopt their own locally relevant clean power programs. The ‘Totally Renewable’ idea has inspired communities in Phillip Island, Beechworth, and Magnetic Island to begin their transition to renewable energy. Such community-led initiatives demonstrate that local communities can design an energy future customised for their economic and energy needs.