Australia’s clean energy transition isn’t just for those with rooftops or deep pockets. A quiet shift in community-led investment is showing that individuals can drive decarbonisation at scale while earning solid financial returns.

One standout example is the 2017 solar project at Blackwoods’ Canning Vale site, backed by 19 everyday Australians through ClearSky Solar Investments (CSSI). The investor group funded the full cost of a commercial-scale rooftop solar system—close to $400,000—enabling one of the country’s largest industrial suppliers to cut emissions without needing upfront capital.

The project was delivered by Smart Commercial Solar, a leading developer of commercial energy systems. Under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Smart installed, owned and maintained the system for eight years, selling electricity to Blackwoods at a rate lower than the grid. The result? Real emissions reductions, lower energy costs, and reliable returns for community investors.

One of those investors, Sydney-based Kate Grove, drives an EV but can’t install solar at home due to tree cover. For her, ClearSky’s model fills the gap.

“It’s so wonderful to have contributed that much solar power into the world — and to know it will keep on giving,” she said.

“And it’s a nice bonus that it has made a decent return.”

This kind of clean energy investment delivers more than just a feel-good factor. It’s a credible, measurable way for Australians to participate in the energy transition—especially renters, apartment dwellers, and those in shaded homes. The impact is real: over 110 projects funded, more than 22MW of commercial solar installed, and $28 million in community capital mobilised.

“There are thousands of Australians who want to take climate action but can’t install solar themselves,” said ClearSky co-founder Warren Yates.

“We give them a practical, proven way to invest in renewable energy with measurable impact and meaningful returns.”

For businesses and carbon professionals, this model opens new pathways to:

Partner with mission-aligned financiers to install solar at scale
Meet Scope 2 reduction targets without capital expenditure
Strengthen ESG reporting with credible, asset-backed initiatives

With mandatory climate disclosure frameworks fast approaching, investment models like ClearSky’s will only become more relevant. They offer a pathway to low-risk decarbonisation that benefits investors, businesses and the grid.

To learn more or register your interest, visit clearskysolar.com.au.

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