St Joseph’s generates solar power and income with support from Trust Horizon
St Joseph's School is already seeing the benefits of a new solar power system, made possible through a community financing initiative delivered by Trust Horizon in partnership with Community Finance.
Through the initiative, St Joseph’s has received a fully funded solar system from SUPA Energy, which includes a share of the revenue from the sale of excess power to local homes in the community – creating both immediate savings and a new income stream.
St Joseph’s Principal, Jo Brady, said the project was driven by a desire to reduce financial pressure, while staying true to the school’s environmental values.
“We’re focused on putting as much money as possible back into our children, rather than into the running of the property,” Brady said. “Solar gave us a way to do that, while also reinforcing the environmental values we teach in the classroom.”
The installation is part of a growing community solar project, launched in 2024 with the goal of making solar more accessible to schools, marae, and community organisations throughout the Eastern Bay.
Under the model, Trust Horizon provides the capital for community solar projects, with loans administered on its behalf by Community Finance. The loans have a fixed 3.5% interest rate over five years and a 10-year repayment term. The solar system is installed by the recipient’s operator of choice.
“The revenue generated is covering our loan repayments, and the monthly community energy payment brings in approximately $900 a month, which adds up to our average yearly power bill,” says Brady. “This means in 10 years’ time, once the loan is paid off, the school will be able to invest that income directly into the children.”
St Joseph’s is not the only organisation to experience the initiative’s benefits. In 2024, Kawerau Enterprise Agency (KEA) relied on the same community funding to install a 25kW system on its Onslow Street premises.
“Being a non-profit, any streamlining of costs helps us put more money back into economic development for Kawerau,” says Kevin Power, KEA General Manager. “We really value the support.”
At Horizon House (previously Concordia House), Trust Horizon has also been enjoying the benefits of solar power since its install in February. The 60KW solar system has seen the organisation further reduce its energy costs.
“Our initial solar system at Richardson St achieved a 7.7% return on investment in its first year, and now sees an average yearly return of around 9%,” says Trust Horizon CE, Derek Caudwell. “We’re thrilled to extend those financial and environmental benefits to organisations like St Joseph’s, and others throughout the Eastern Bay.”
The Trust has now financed over 700kW of solar and battery storage for the benefit of the region’s communities, and the trustees have allocated a further $1 million in low-interest solar lending. For organisations such as St Joseph’s School, the support can be transformative.
“Getting a low interest rate has enabled us to have more income coming into the school,” says Brady. “We’re so incredibly grateful, we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Trust Horizon and Community Finance.”
If you want to apply for funding from Trust Horizon, look at our funding page for more information.