AIKO Energy has paired clean energy with conservation, backing one of Tasmania’s most important wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
In December 2025, the leading solar manufacturer donated a high-efficiency solar system to the Raptor Refuge in Kettering. The system now powers the refuge’s new treatment facility, known as the MEDWING.
The result is reliable, off-grid energy supporting the care of injured birds of prey from across the state.
Clean energy for critical wildlife care
The donated system uses AIKO Neostar 2P 475W solar panels and supplies clean, dependable power to the MEDWING treatment room.
This facility plays a critical role in stabilising, treating, and rehabilitating Tasmania’s native raptors, many of which arrive severely injured.
Off-grid reliability matters. Medical equipment, lighting, and monitoring systems must operate without interruption. The new solar system ensures the refuge can deliver modern care without relying on fossil fuels or fragile grid connections.
The MEDWING represents a major step forward for the refuge, blending advanced veterinary care with environmentally responsible infrastructure.
A partnership driven by purpose
The collaboration began when David Tolliday, senior renewable energy instructor at Holmesglen Institute and owner of SaveEnergySolutions.com.au, reached out to the Australian solar industry.
He sought support for a conservation project with real community impact. AIKO responded immediately.
For the company, the project aligned perfectly with its focus on innovation, sustainability, and practical outcomes.
“It’s a beautiful cause, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping these magnificent birds recover and return to the wild,” said Linh Pham, Marketing Manager, AIKO Energy Australia.
“Thanks to our advanced All Back Contact technology, the modules deliver 475W – the highest power available in a residential footprint at the time – which means the refuge can generate maximum clean energy from limited roof space. This high-efficiency solution is perfect for off-grid applications like the MEDWING, ensuring reliable power for critical treatment equipment while supporting Tasmania’s precious wildlife.”
Supporting a refuge that relies on community
The Raptor Refuge Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Tasmania’s birds of prey.
This includes iconic species such as Wedge-tailed Eagles and White bellied Sea Eagles.
The refuge receives no government funding. Every rescue, treatment, and release depends on donations, volunteers, and community partnerships.
Craig Webb OAM, from the Raptor Refuge, highlighted the importance of industry support.
“We are a not-for-profit organisation, and it is help from companies like AIKO that makes our job of rehabilitating raptors and returning them to the wild so much easier.”
By reducing energy costs and improving reliability, the solar system allows the refuge to focus resources where they matter most. That is on animal care.
Renewable energy with real-world impact
Projects like the MEDWING show how renewable energy can deliver benefits beyond lower emissions.
For wildlife organisations operating in remote or semi-rural locations, solar provides independence, resilience, and long-term cost certainty. It also reflects growing alignment between clean energy companies and conservation groups, both working towards a more sustainable future.
At the Raptor Refuge, the impact is immediate and tangible. Clean power now supports lifesaving work, day and night, in a facility built for the future.
For the injured raptors that pass through its doors, the MEDWING represents something simple and powerful. A better chance to heal, recover, and return to the wild.
About The Raptor Refuge
The Raptor Refuge Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to caring for and protecting Tasmania’s natural wildlife, specialising in the rehabilitation and release of birds of prey. The refuge welcomes visitors through guided tours and offers unique accommodation at Eagle Ridge Retreat. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at www.raptorrefuge.com.au.
