A clean, green Charles Anderson Grove

RETIREE residents of the Old Colonists’ Association of Ballarat’s Charles Anderson Grove village are benefiting from the installation of solar power technology.

Two-to-three-kilowatt solar panels have been installed on the roofs or carports of the social housing site’s 37 heritage and brand-new cottages, and on the community centre, lowering the retirees’ living costs and emissions output.

OCA president Jo Barber said the ability to generate cheap and clean energy will “empower residents to take even more control of their life.”

With advocacy from the Old Colonists’ Association’s committee of volunteers and Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions, the village has been fitted out under the Grampians Renewable Energy Program, financially supported by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Bank Australia’s Ballarat Branch, and Solar Victoria.

Her team of volunteers will work with the village’s residents into the future, assisting them to maximise their usage of the panels and power.

“The organisation is extremely grateful to the Victorian Government, DELWP, and Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions in securing funding, and to Bank Australia for bringing this project to fruition,” she said.

“This is absolutely wonderful in providing a financial buffer, bringing peace of mind and confidence to daily living.”

There is potential for the solar systems to be fitted with batteries in the future to conserve extra generated energy for later use.

BREAZE president Mary Debrett said the Grampians Renewable Energy Program ties into BREAZE’s Social Solar Program goals.

“We’ve been bringing cheaper power to those who benefit most, creating local jobs when they were most needed, and reducing emissions, addressing the climate emergency,” she said.

“With many years’ experience managing our Social Solar Program that puts solar on not-for-profits, BREAZE Inc’s project coordinator Peter Reid has worked tirelessly to bring this project in on time and on budget.”

Charles Anderson Grove will turn 100 in 2025, while The Old Colonists’ Association have been a philanthropic supporter of the Ballarat community since 1882.