About Pingala
At Pingala we believe that energy production should be decentralised, decarbonised and democratised.
We fund, support and oversee the construction of community owned and operated renewable energy projects.
We collaborate to create new models for community ownership.
Our History
Pingala was founded in 2013 by a group of volunteers. We developed a community investment model with support from City of Sydney. The Pingala Cooperative was formed with 74 members, who came together to invest in our first project, at Young Henrys brewery.
How Pingala Works
Pingala works with "Host Sites" to install solar farms on local businesses or organisations. We then activate the community surrounding that site to invest in the future of that site. The host owns their system and enjoys green energy, while the locals get a great return on their investment!
We are a dual organisation that has two separate but very aligned functions. Not-for-profit activities such as receiving/running grants and going to community festivals for example and our For-profit activities which include the development and administration of our projects. The Pingala Association and Co-operative are responsible for these respective tasks.
Pingala Co-operative
The Pingala Co-operative is a democratic investment vehicle, that enables community investment in Pingala renewable energy projects. Just like other co-operatives in NSW, its registered with NSW Fair Trading, and is run on democratic principles.
The Co-operative has ~250 members, who came together to support each of our Solar for Business projects and have become part of the Pingala community.
The Pingala Co-operative is governed by a Board elected each year by members at our Annual General Meeting.
Board members have expertise in finance, governance, renewable energy and community enagement
Pingala Association
The Pingala Association works on new projects, both those to grow our Pingala Co-operative and on innovative models to make solar energy more equita
We love to collaborate, and have worked with fellow community renewable energy groups, solar installers, businesses and organisations, and local councils to complete our projects so far.