Energy with impact: EPC Solar brings renewables to Fiji

Canberra-based EPC Solar is helping accelerate the shift to renewable energy by making solar and storage technology more accessible to individuals and businesses.

But as an Indigenous-owned business with a strong focus on innovation and community, its impact ethos runs deeper than that. And that’s reflected in its first foray overseas, into Fiji.

EPC Solar has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide solar products to Musket Cove, Plantation Island and Lomani Island Resort.

Another MoU, with Canberra-based ONA coffee, will see it provide 100% renewable power for its new coffee factory in Rakiraki, Fiji.

‘The partnerships are about sustainable development, local economic growth, and renewable energy adoption in the Pacific,’ says Lucas Sena, EPC Solar’s Commercial Manager.

‘By integrating solar and battery solutions, we’re reducing reliance on diesel, cutting emissions, providing savings on electricity costs, and proving that clean energy can drive industrial innovation.’

All in, EPC Solar has a pipeline of more than 40 potential installation sites in Fiji.

An innovative business model for energy

EPC Solar was founded in 2014 by Daryn Stocks and Carla Stocks, a proud Kitja woman and descendant of the Stolen Generation of the East Kimberley.

The business offers renewables solutions for commercial properties, including rooftop installation, battery storage, microgrids and EV chargers.

‘We help corporations to reduce their carbon emissions, save on electricity costs and hit their sustainability goals,’ says Sena.

It does this through innovative business structures and financing options that reduce, or even eliminate, upfront costs

‘Innovation doesn’t mean just innovating in terms of the products we offer, it means innovating in how we offer them,’ Sena says.

Through its network of partners, EPC Solar offers solar loans, as well as its flagship Power Purchase Agreement. Under this agreement, the provider owns and maintains the system, with payments linked to the amount of electricity produced.

It’s an avenue for upgrading infrastructure, Sena says, without significant capital expenditure, and is available to corporate or government entities.

Effectively, clients simply shift from paying a grid energy provider to paying a solar provider, at a lower rate.

‘Sometimes companies install solar systems but don’t have the resources, time or knowledge to maintain them, so they end up not performing as well as they should,’ Sena explains.

‘They can outsource the whole operations and maintenance to our business. And if the solar is not producing, we don’t get paid.’

Terms of these contracts can range from 10 to 20 years, or more. Building long-term relationships with customers and communities is a core priority of the business.

Aligned values in the face of climate change

EPC Solar has been growing steadily for the past 3 years, with projects in every Australian state and territory except Tasmania.

And while Pacific nations aren’t always the first port of call for Aussie businesses going global, for EPC Solar, Fiji was the logical first step.

Fiji has a stable political climate, and it’s accessible via a direct flight from Canberra. But more importantly, it has an ambitious target for 100% renewable energy by 2036, and buy-in from the community.

Fijian people are proud and protective of their home, yet many remote businesses rely on diesel generators for their power, which are ‘unreliable, expensive and bad for the environment,’ Sena says.

‘There’s a lot of drive to move towards solar. And a lot of businesses that align with ours.’

EPC Solar Commercial Manager Lucas Sena, left, and ONA Fiji director Maheer Prasad at the MoU signing.

A commitment to community

Through its Kali Pathways program, EPC Solar aims to provide training and support for Indigenous people building careers in the renewables industry. When working in remote communities, the team also helps train local workers in installation and maintenance.

‘We need a very niche expertise to be able to expand our operations,’ Sena says.

‘If we send a few key people to train up local staff — in Fiji or remote regions in Australia — then it’s cheaper for the company, better for the environment, and better for those local communities.

‘The whole ecosystem wins.’

EPC Solar is already making an innovative investment in its brand recognition in the Pacific, through sponsorship of the ACT Brumbies rugby team, currently playing in the Super Rugby Pacific tournament. That visibility is key, Sena says.

‘That aligns with the expansion vision.’

Invaluable introductions through Austrade

The launch into Fiji was made smoother by support from both Austrade and the ACT Government.

Sena and the team were first invited on a trade mission with the ACT Government, and later joined a trade delegation trip, which culminated in a Super Rugby clash between the Brumbies and Fijian Drua.

It was a chance to conduct market research and explore whether there was demand. Throughout the process, Austrade has been invaluable in providing market advice and making key connections. Perhaps the most notable introduction was to Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, who expressed his support for renewables in general, and for EPC Solar in particular. 

‘He offered me the opportunity to talk to his team if any challenges or bottlenecks arise,’ Sena says. ‘That quick access to policymakers really helps.’

A connection to Austrade also brings a level of credibility and trustworthiness to the brand, Sena adds. It opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.

‘We’re a privately owned, family business. The idea of going international would not have been possible one or 2 years ago.

‘Now this opportunity has emerged, the support of Austrade gives us confidence.’

Future plans

Next, the focus will be on New Zealand, and then other Pacific nations, Sena says — islands that will bear the brunt of climate change and rising sea levels.

‘There is so much natural beauty here,’ says Sena. ‘There is such a connection to the land and strong shared values around preserving the planet.’