Borough to flick the switch to community solar

A MAJOR initiative to spread solar power to residents, businesses and local organisations in the Borough of Queenscliffe is less than a fortnight away from officially flicking the switch.

Environmental group Queenscliffe Climate Action Now (QCAN) will launch its Community Solar Program with a public meeting on February 16.

The program, which is supported by the borough’s council, is intended to drive a huge uptake in renewable energy technology across the municipality and, as QCAN state on their website, “overcome barriers of confusion, cost and trust in installers”.

QCAN says it has analysed detailed expressions of interest (EOIs) from five renewable energy companies interested in providing solar systems, batteries and heat pump hot water systems as the delivery partner for this program.

The EOIs have also been analysed by an independent consultant, with funding provided by the Borough of Queenscliffe.

At the meeting, the chosen delivery partner – who QCAN has not yet named – will provide an overview of the solar, battery and heat pump hot water systems on offer, outline the costs involved and how much people could save on their power bills, and explain how to get access to government rebates.

“This meeting provides us with a fantastic opportunity to come together and meet the key people from our delivery partner in person, get a full briefing on all the details, and have your questions answered,” QCAN organisers wrote.

“We are particularly excited that the delivery partner chosen is committed to providing our community with personal service to ensure systems are tailored to our needs – both now and for the future.

“This program will provide high quality products at competitive pricing with market leading product warranties from a reliable and trusted local solar retailer.

“We have seen incredible interest from people wanting to play their part in reducing emissions – yet another example of the passion and commitment of our community in taking part in local climate action.”

The program is a key plank in the borough’s Climate Emergency Response Plan, endorsed by the council in 2021, which lists transitioning the Queenscliffe community to a “Zero Carbon Community” by 2031.

The Community Solar Program launch will be held at Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff, on February 16 from 7pm.

For more information, head to queenscliffeclimateaction.org