St Joseph’s School Cuts Costs With Community-Funded Solar Project

St Joseph’s School is benefiting from a new solar power system supported by a community financing initiative.

The initiative, delivered by Trust Horizon in partnership with Community Finance, has enabled the school to install a fully funded solar system.

The arrangement includes a share of the revenue generated from the sale of excess power to local homes, creating a new income stream while delivering immediate savings.

St Joseph’s Principal, Jo Brady, said a desire to reduce financial pressure drove the project while ensuring the school stayed true to its 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 community solar project that launched in 2024 to make solar more accessible to schools, marae and community organisations across the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Under the partnership, Trust Horizon provides the capital for community solar projects, while Community Finance administers the loans on its behalf.

The loans have a fixed 3.5% interest rate over five years, with a 10-year repayment term.

Recipients choose their own solar installers.

“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,” said 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 benefiting from this initiative.

In 2024, Kawerau Enterprise Agency (KEA) used the funding to install a 25kW system.

“Being a non-profit, any streamlining of costs helps us put more money back into economic development for Kawerau,” said KEA General Manager Kevin Power.

“We really value the support.”

Since February, Trust Horizon’s Horizon House has operated on a 60kW solar system, further reducing the organisation’s energy costs.

Their initial solar system at Richardson Street achieved a 7.7% return on investment in its first year, with the average annual return now sitting at around 9%.

“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 financed more than 700kW of solar and battery storage for the region’s communities, with a further $1 million in low-interest solar lending allocated.

It said that 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,” said Brady.

“We’re so incredibly grateful.”