Frequently Asked Questions

What is Solar Harvest and how does it work?

Solar Harvest is a community cooperative that enables local businesses and organizations to transition to solar power through crowd-funded capital. We work by pooling the funds from members’ purchase of shares to fund solar installations, creating a win-win situation where businesses reduce their energy costs and members receive potential returns on their investment.

The process involves:

  • Identifying suitable businesses to sign a renewable energy lease with Solar Harvest
  • Developing customized solar solutions based on energy needs
  • Raising capital through community membership investments
  • Managing the installation process with qualified contractors
  • Business making lease repayments that are no more than their current energy costs
  • Monitoring system performance
  • Reinvesting the lease payments into our next projects (see Revolving Funds and how they work)
  • When it becomes financially possible, distributing returns to members

Businesses partnering with Solar Harvest receive numerous advantages.  Our project partners tell us that one of the greatest advantages is having someone they trust to manage the whole process of installing solar. They also appreciate the reduction in energy costs and sense of doing good for the environment. Our innovative funding model removes the financial barrier to solar adoption while providing long-term energy security.

Benefits include:

  • Protection against rising energy prices
  • Zero upfront capital required
  • Professional system maintenance and monitoring
  • Enhanced environmental credentials and community goodwill
  • Expert guidance throughout the entire process

Membership in Solar Harvest starts with a minimum purchase of one share, costing $100 plus $5 administration fee per share. As a member, you become part of a community-driven initiative while potentially earning returns on your investment.

Member benefits include:

  • Voting rights in cooperative decisions
  • Regular project updates and performance reports
  • Participation in annual general meetings
  • Access to exclusive events and workshops
  • Opportunity to directly support local businesses
  • Potential dividend payments from successful projects

 

Apply to be a member here

Returns on investment are generated through the lease repayment terms on our solar installations. While specific returns can vary based on expected project performance and energy prices, we aim for sustainable returns that benefit both our members and partner businesses.

Factors affecting returns include:

  • Energy generation performance of installed systems
  • Electricity market prices
  • Operating and maintenance costs
  • Overall cooperative performance


All financial projections and actual returns are transparently communicated to members through regular updates and annual reports.

Solar Harvest employs a rigorous selection and management process to ensure project success. Each potential installation undergoes an assessment considering technical, financial, and social factors.

Our project management process includes:

  • Site suitability assessment
  • Detailed financial modelling and risk assessment
  • Professional system design and specification
  • Competitive contractor selection
  • Quality control during installation
  • Ongoing performance monitoring and maintenance

 

Solar Harvest includes protective clauses in all agreements to safeguard member investments. In the event of business closure or sale, several options are available:

  • Transfer of the agreement to new business owners
  • Relocation of the solar system to another suitable site
  • Purchase of the system by the property owner


All scenarios are covered by legal agreements that protect both member investments and business interests.

Risk management is central to Solar Harvest’s operations. We employ multiple strategies to protect member investments and ensure project success:

  • Thorough due diligence on all potential projects
  • Requiring project sites to hold sufficient insurance coverage for the system
  • Regular system maintenance and monitoring
  • Diversification across multiple projects
  • Strong legal frameworks and agreements
  • Conservative financial modelilng
  • Emergency response protocols

Solar Harvest stands apart through our community-owned cooperative model that benefits all stakeholders. Unlike traditional solar providers, we:

  • Enable community investment in local renewable energy
  • Provide zero upfront cost solutions for businesses
  • Create direct community benefit through shared returns
  • Focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term profit
  • Maintain strong local connections and accountability
  • Offer ongoing support and engagement opportunities

Businesses interested in partnering with Solar Harvest can begin the process by contacting us for an initial consultation. There should be a link to an online registration of interest form. 

The application process involves:

  • Initial site and business assessment
  • Energy usage analysis
  • Financial modeling and proposal development
  • Agreement negotiation
  • Project planning and implementation


We welcome inquiries from community organisations and businesses of all sizes – check our preferred site criteria here