Solar farm opens gates

THE Swan Hill solar farm will throw open its gates this weekend, inviting community members to get up close and personal with renewable energy.

Impact Investment Group senior asset manager Rosie Bennett told The Guardian the solar farm was one of 15 clean energy projects across five states participating in the clean energy open day on October 27.

An initiative of the Clean Energy Council, the day offers Australians the chance to learn more about the future of clean power generation, as the nation transitions towards a renewable energy future.

In 2019 alone, construction in the industry accounted for approximately $27 billion in investment, and created over 16,656 jobs in rural and regional communities.

The Swan Hill solar farm, with approximately 53,000 panels, is one of the seed assets in Impact Investment Groups’ solar asset fund.

The solar farm commenced commercial operations on July 20, 2018 and produced 35,000 megawatts of clean energy in its first year of operation — roughly enough to provide electricity for 6300 average Australian homes.

Mrs Bennett said the community was invited to come, learn about and enjoy the solar farm.

Walking tours in and around the solar panels, refreshments, a sausage sizzle and giveaways for the children will be on offer, with the farm open to the public between 1pm and 4pm.

“We will be one of 15 clean energy projects opening their doors for the opportunity to showcase clean energy and to celebrate the community surrounding these projects,” Mrs Bennett said.

“It’s an opportunity for curious community members to get up close and personal and to learn how a solar farm works.

“There will also be regular tours around the solar farm so every one has a chance to get up close and personal and learn about the solar farm and what we do.”

Mrs Bennett said the event was free, with attendees asked to register online to give the farm an idea of the numbers expected.

“We obviously received great support from the local Swan Hill community in building the solar farm, this is a great opportunity to give a little bit back to the people who drive past on their way to work and wonder what goes on behind the gates,” Mrs Bennett said.

“We’re always happy to explain what we do further and to give back to the community.

“I suppose the biggest takeaway from the open day is that people will understand what is going on, it will be a little less of a mystery and for people to understand the great benefits clean energy can bring to a community such as Swan Hill and around Australia.”

Anyone interested in attending can RSVP at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/swan-hill-solar-farm-open-day-tickets-75081319247.