Shire encourages people to power up with solar

WITH the Victorian Government re-opening rebates for rooftop solar next month, the Surf Coast Shire says it’s an ideal time for residents and businesses to consider being part of the local surge in solar.

From 2016 to 2017, rooftop solar doubled in the Surf Coast while at the end of last year, 3,242 homes and businesses had installed solar.

Cr Martin Duke is part of the shire’s Renewable Energy Taskforce, which has launched the Powered by Positive program to help locals use less energy and make the switch to solar.

He said the Taskforce was pleased to see the uptake of rooftop solar surge in the Surf Coast in recent years.

“It’s a positive change and I encourage residents and businesses to join the movement of people making their own power.”

The Victorian government is providing eligible homeowners with a rebate of up to $2,225 off the installation of a solar PV system. Rebate applications will re-open on July 1.

“The solar program was fully booked for 2018- 19 and it’s easy to understand why, with the state government offering a fantastic rebate for people who are eligible,” Cr Duke said.

“If you’ve been considering solar, July is a great time to look further into it.”

For people wanting to make smaller changes, the council’s Powered by Positive website has a wealth of information including steps people can take in their daily lives to reduce their overall energy use and save money on their energy bills.
It also links people to local suppliers who can help and has the latest information on available funding and rebates.