The main buildings at both campuses feature large, flat roofs fully exposed to the sun. Combined with the school’s high daytime energy use, this meant solar systems would be highly effective at both locations, capturing solar energy throughout the day to power the school with minimal waste.

For optimal performance, the Smart Solar Solutions team recommended substantial systems at both sites. The Springvale campus received 360 Jinko solar panels integrated with three Sungrow inverters, while the smaller Officer campus received 270 Jinko solar panels with two Sungrow inverters. 

The only remaining consideration was the cost of the project, which was significant due to the size of the systems.

Fortunately, Smart Solar Solutions is a Smart Ease–accredited installer and was able to offer the college a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan to fund the installation. This allowed Minaret College to preserve its cash reserves and instead use monthly energy-bill savings to help pay for the system over time.

It was an easy decision.

With the help of Smart Solar Solutions, Taksim applied online for a 60-month Payment Plan with Smart Ease. As a not-for-profit school, the application easily met credit requirements and was quickly approved.

Both systems were installed in the second half of 2025 and are now fully operational.

For Minaret College, this clean energy project represents a significant milestone. Alongside supporting sustainability goals and setting a strong example for students, the school is now benefiting from a substantial reduction in operating costs and a clearer pathway for future growth.

The first is a 450kW solar array comprising 982 Trina Solar panels and four Fronius inverters. The second is a 245.50kW system featuring 491 Trina Solar panels and two Fronius inverters. Together, the installations represent a significant renewable-energy investment that will help power the farm’s operations, reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions.

For Tripod Farmers, cutting carbon does not just align with its values – it also makes strong business sense. The farm supplies produce across Australia to independent grocers, restaurants and major supermarkets such as Coles. With mandatory climate reporting now in place for large companies like Coles, being a low-emissions supplier provides a clear advantage by helping those retailers reduce and report their Scope 3 emissions.

To make the transition to solar more accessible, the project was funded through a Smart Ease Payment Plan arranged by Choice Energy. The 60-month plan allowed Tripod Farmers to install both systems for $0 upfront, and use energy-bill savings generated by the solar systems to help cover repayments over time.

This approach meant the farm could move ahead with a large-scale sustainability project while preserving capital for other areas of the business.

And the investment has already gained recognition. Tripod Farmers was acknowledged for its sustainability efforts with an award at the The Weekly Times Coles 2025 Farmer of the Year Awards, further reinforcing its reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking Australian farming business.

Knowing that installing solar panels on the roof of a heritage-listed building could be complex, Kennedy contacted commercial solar specialists Energy Control to assess the site and propose a suitable solution.

After reviewing the building, the Energy Control team recommended a carefully designed solar system comprising 103 Longi panels and two Solax inverters. The system was sized to deliver meaningful energy savings while ensuring the panels would not negatively impact the building’s historic façade.

To maximise the value of the system, Energy Control also recommended integrating battery storage. The 22 Solax batteries allow excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used later, particularly during the evening when Airbnb guests are using heating, cooling, lighting and other energy-intensive appliances.

Alongside the technical design, Energy Control also helped Kennedy navigate the most cost-effective way to fund the project. The team advised taking advantage of the federal battery rebate to reduce the total project cost, while also making use of a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan to maintain a healthy cash flow.

The 84-month plan allowed Rutherglen Convent to install both the solar and battery system without a large upfront expense. Instead, the business can repay the system over time with manageable monthly instalments, supported by the energy-bill savings generated by the system.

Installation was completed in the second half of 2025, just in time to support the Convent through the high energy demands of the summer season.

Today, the solar and battery system is helping Rutherglen Convent better manage its energy costs while supporting the sustainability of the historic property. By combining renewable energy with smart financing, the venue has found a practical way to protect both its bottom line and its future.

To overcome that barrier, AllState Solar suggested that Zach use a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan to finance the project.  

By August 2025, installation of the battery system was complete.

Zach’s farm is now powered primarily by clean solar energy. During the day, electricity is supplied directly from the farm’s solar panels, while any excess energy is stored in the new battery system for use at night.  

By being proactive with his storage investment, Zach has reduced the farm’s grid reliance and significantly lowered monthly energy bills.  

Best of all, he achieved all this without spending any cash upfront – and secured a 30% discount on his equipment.  

When it comes to investing in clean energy, it truly pays off to act sooner rather than later!

To manage the cost of the project, Rick chose a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan. 

“Avoiding the upfront cost meant we could start seeing savings while paying off the system,” said Rick Martino. “And the reduction in our energy bills has already been significant.” 

With the new system in place, MEH is now cutting operational costs, lowering emissions, and setting a strong example for others in the construction sector to follow.