Howrah Men’s Shed powered by battery

‘Most of our members are retired,’ said Vice President Brian Wright. ‘We’ve got a private pilot, boilermakers, cabinetmakers, a university lecturer, boat builders, business managers, office workers, technical officers, engineers, electricians, teachers and many others. The shed gives them companionship, a place to talk, and a place to bring their own projects.’

The shed’s 6.6 kW array of solar panels was installed in 2021. ‘It reduced our winter quarter electricity bill from $500 to $300,’ Mr Wright said. ‘And after we’d had it for a while, one of the members said, “What about a battery?”’

A $15,000 battery was a major expense for an organisation whose membership fee of $60/yr doesn’t quite cover fixed expenses.

So Mr Wright did his homework and applied to the federal government’s Powering Communities Program for the maximum grant of $12,000.

‘Initially, they only offered us $7,958,’ he said. ‘So we had to decline, because we couldn’t afford the balance.’

Fortunately, the office of federal Labor member Julie Collins followed up the grant application, and when the Powering Communities Program had a surplus, they offered the shed the full $12,000.

‘We got the battery installed in February this year,’ said Mr Wright. ‘But then we discovered that we needed a wi-fi connection if we wanted the full warranty.’

The wi-fi was only connected a few weeks ago, so they haven’t seen any results yet.

‘But we’re very hopeful,’ said Mr Wright. ‘We should have a very small electricity bill. And we’ll pay back the whole system, including the panels on the roof, in just over thirteen years.’

‘Over ten years, we should save about $16,700, and over twenty years, $36,800.’

There are more than sixty men’s sheds in Tasmania. ‘But I think we’re the first one to have a battery,’ Mr Wright said.

Clarence Climate Action member Chris Lang said that the shed’s solar and battery set-up will reduce emissions at the same time as it proves itself financially.

‘It will also demonstrate how other community groups might benefit from the technology,’ said Mr Lang. ‘By being an early mover to reduce both costs and emissions, Howrah Men’s Shed becomes our choice as this month’s Climate Champions.’

Learn more about the Howrah Men’s Shed.

Eastern Shore Sun, June 2022, page 6