Billionaire software developer and philanthropist Mike Cannon-Brookes has set aside $12 million to install as many as 100 stand-alone solar and battery units in 100 days to provide off-grid power to hard-hit bushfire communities.
The aim is to replace the use of diesel generators, installed after the massive bushfires destroyed power lines and other equipment. Costs of electricity will fall by between 20 and 50 per cent, Mr Cannon-Brookes said, adding the units should be able to operate for 20 years…