Sunny days ahead in Mayo with investment in community solar

PRESS RELEASE

A Men’s Shed group, sporting clubs and a local radio station are among organisations in Mayo benefitting from the Turnbull Government’s $5 million Solar Communities Program.

The Program provides funding for community groups in selected regions across Australia to install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV), solar hot water and solar-connected battery systems to reduce their electricity costs.

Round 2 was open to community groups to apply for funding of up to $12,500 and closed on 7 June 2018. Four community groups in Mayo have received grants to support their solar projects.

• Strathalbyn Woodshed (SWS) has been provided $8,897 to purchase and install a 13.11 kW solar PV system on their north facing shed. A member of the Australian Men’s Shed Association, SWS is used by various community groups including schools, University of the Third Age and Scouts. The savings made will allow SWS to further diversify their programs and broaden community reach.
• Nairne Oval Committee has been provided $11,590 to purchase and install a battery storage system which will store energy generated by the existing 15 kW solar PV system at the Nairne and District Sporting Complex. As the majority of the power at the Complex is used to light the oval and courts area during times of peak demand, the project will help reduce the community’s power bills as it becomes largely energy self-sufficient and free up funds to improve facilities.
• Macclesfield Recreation Grounds Committee has been provided $9,790 to purchase and install a 13.11 kW solar PV system on their community building, which will supply approximately 75 per cent of the electricity used by the Macclesfield football and cricket clubs. The savings are to be used to expand the clubs’ women’s and children’s programs.
• Hill Radio has been provided $10,249 to purchase and install a 6.27 kW solar PV system with battery storage to help reduce the organisation’s power bills.

“This investment in our local communities allows these organisations to reduce their power costs and spend more on the programs and support they provide,” Minister Frydenberg said.

Round 1 of the Program opened in January 2017 and provided more than $2.8 million in support for 218 community groups including sporting clubs, Scouts, welfare centres, surf lifesaving clubs and Country Women’s Associations. A further 150 community groups are expected to benefit from Round 2 of the Program.

The Program is being delivered by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science in consultation with the Department of the Environment and Energy.