SunPeople - keeping the lights shining on Local Youth

As active members of the Illawarra community, SunPeople recently supported the Lighthouse Youth Initiative (LYI) in Yallah through the donation of a 3.3KW solar system.

On the 21st of January 2021, SunPeople donated a 3.3kW solar system to Lighthouse Youth Initiative (LYI) (https://adifferentlight.com.au/community/youth-initiative/) at Yallah.

The donation included the supply and install of a 3.3kW solar system, featuring 10 x Trina Honey (https://sunpeople.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Trina-330W-370W-Datasheet.pdf) panels, a 5kW Inverter and Clenergy (https://www.clenergy.com/) Mounting Kit. The system is valued at $3,900.

Managing Director of SunPeople, David Love, heard of the activities of the Lighthouse Youth Initiative when installing a solar system on the home of one of the management team, in 2020.

About the Lighthouse Youth Initiative

The Lighthouse Youth Initiative has been in operation for 30 years. It is a residential program for youth aged 18-24 years who are experiencing homelessness. The Initiative supports young individuals in resolving trauma and provides a safe environment for young people to feel accepted, loved and respected. LYI have an amazing success rate with the youth that come through and the team continue with ongoing support and outreach.

The initiative also offers assistance in training for employment, independent living skills and therapeutic supports. The organisation relies heavily on private donations from the Local community and small businesses.

The General Manager of Lighthouse, Josh Hammann states,

David Love, owner and managing director of SunPeople said: “We are proud of being local and active amongst various areas of the community so when we heard of this initiative we wanted to give back in a very positive way.”

More about the Project

The system was designed and installed by our Clean Energy Council Accredited Designers and Installers.

The design and approval of the project began in mid-2020, however, the installation was completed in January 2021. The Lighthouse Youth Initiative has two houses on the property, however, the front building is heritage-listed. SunPeople were in regular communication with Wollongong council to understand the requirements of installing solar on the beautiful property from the early 1900s. With heritage listing on the home at the front of the property, the solar installation could only proceed on the back building.

This system will make a substantial impact on the recurring power bills with an expected saving of at least $200-$250 every quarter ($1,000 per year).

We truly believe it is the gift that keeps on giving.

A Special Thanks

The SunPeople team want to thank everyone for the kind words and support we have received following the donation. Also, a big thanks to WIN NEWS Illawarra (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=459684785172830) and WAVE FM radio for featuring the story in their News bulletins on the day.

If you would like to see the full WIN News Interview go to: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=459684785172830 (link above).

For more photos of the installation on the day visit our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sunpeoplesolar) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sunpeoplesolar/) page @sunpeoplesolar.

Learn more about Lighthouse Youth Initiative and how you could get involved via their website (https://adifferentlight.com.au/community/youth-initiative/).