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Pure Local Energy Project in Wodonga
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Posted: 18/05/2009
HOUSEHOLDS in Wodonga will be able to save money, reduce their carbon footprint and support local jobs by participating in an innovative community solar energy project.
The program will enable residents to install a 1kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the substantially reduced cost of $2000. This in turn will reduce household electricity bills by an estimated $250 per year. Interested residents can choose to install the base 1kW system only or a larger system to suit their household needs.
The Pure Local Energy Project, which is facilitated by the Northeast Greenhouse Alliance (NEGHA) on behalf of participating local governments, complements the Australian Government's Solar Homes and Communities Plan Rebate, which provides financial support up to $8000 ($8 per watt) for installing a 1 kW PV system.
The solar systems to be installed under this program are grid-connected, which means that electricity generated that is not used by the household can be exported back into the national electricity grid.
As a result participating residents will be able to take advantage of the proposed Feed-in Tariff scheme. If passed by the State Government, the feed-in tariff will see owners of 3.2kW systems or smaller receive a 60 cent tariff (or credit) on their electricity account for every unit of unused electricity they generate and export to the grid.
Director sustainable development Johan Louw said the installation will be done by local tradespersons.
“Residents who participate in the project will be supporting local jobs and the local economy,” he said. “To gain maximum benefit from the project, residents should be home owner-occupiers, have at least eight square meters (e.g. 2m x 4m) of un-shaded, north-facing roof, and have a household taxable income of less than $100,000.
“The offer is only available for the next five weeks as the Australian Government's solar panel rebate of $8000 expires on June 30, 2009.”
Wodonga Council is one of nine participating councils, representing some 90,000 Victorian households. Solar Shop Australia, the country's leading installer of grid connect solar systems, was selected to design and install the systems.
Interested residents and suitably qualified tradespersons are invited to attend community information sessions being held by Solar Shop Australia. These will be held:
- Wednesday, May 27 from noon to 1pm at the council chambers, level two, 104 Hovell St, Wodonga; and
- Wednesday, May 27 – 6pm to 7 pm at the council chambers, level two, 104 Hovell St, Wodonga.
For an obligation-free direct home inspection, please contact Solar Shop Australia on 133 SOLAR (133 765) or for more information visit www.solarshop.com.au.
