SUPPORT is available to fund solar for community buildings, businesses and local facilities.
This opportunity will be explored at a community meeting on Monday, June 6, from 12.30pm until 2pm, at Swan Hill Neighbourhood House hosted by the Bendigo Sustainability Group (BSG).
Not-for-profit BSG has been working with communities on locally driven and owned, clean energy solutions.
This includes assisting groups to add solar to their facilities so they can save money on expensive power bills and contribute to the clean energy transition.
“We’re passionate about this work, not only because we want to address the issue of climate change, but also to find collective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this, we want to make sure that the solutions created are locally owned and as such benefit Loddon Mallee and its communities,” BSG president Colin Lambie said.
The BSG’s latest initiative, community power hub Loddon Mallee, is funded by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government. It’s all about taking that passion, knowledge and practical advice to communities across the region and assisting local groups to take up the opportunities that are available.
“Through our work we have found that whilst many of us understand climate change is a big issue that needs to be addressed, there’s a gap between talking about it versus making solutions relevant, practical & affordable,” John McDonald, who will be presenting on behalf of BSG, said.
“We’re on a mission to help as many people & groups as we can to see what’s possible, navigate the complexities & find innovative ways to fund and install solar systems.
“All with the aim of increasing solar uptake – building by building, community by community.”
This upcoming meeting will be an opportunity for locals to hear about existing solar projects, ask questions, understand the benefits and access support for their own solar ideas and projects.
Some of the projects being presented will include:
· A recreational facility that raised $32,000 through a community “donate a solar panel” campaign, to fund their 31kW solar PV system.
· A local fire brigade that accessed support to research and source funding for a solar and battery system, allowing them to operate even when there is a power outage.
· A neighbourhood house that gained assistance with accessing rebates and were then able to fully fund their own solar system.
· A solar system owned by a community group, installed on a local council facility. The electricity generated was then sold to the council at a commercial rate, providing an income stream for the community group.
This meeting is free to attend with light refreshments provided, with registration required for catering purposes via solar-swanhill.eventbrite.com.au.
