Solar and battery offer launches in Ocean Grove

THE Ocean Grove Community Association (OGCA) and 100% Clean Bellarine is launching a community solar and battery program, designed to make it easy for homes and businesses to get solar.

The OGCA and 100% Clean Bellarine have partnered with Mondo, experts in community energy projects, and local installer, City to Surf Solar, to provide a solar and battery offer for residents and business owners across the Bellarine.

Project organiser Suzie Brown from the OGCA said the program hoped to guide people wanting to embrace the benefits of renewable energy, with two information sessions to be held on February 26.

“The sessions will be held at Shell Road Pavilion at 1.30pm and 7.30pm. We know many people want to get solar panels and batteries but feel overwhelmed with the options and complexity,” she said.

“So, we decided to do the hard work for the community and create a program to make it easy to get solar and access the government rebates and loans. We tendered solar companies to provide the program to our community and selected Mondo and City to Surf Solar, as they offer good value for good quality solar and battery systems.”

Ms Brown said City to Surf is a local business with a long track record of installing quality solar systems and batteries across the Bellarine, while Mondo has worked closely with other community energy groups to help them achieve their aspirations for renewable energy.

“The program will offer the opportunity to purchase high quality solar systems tailored to match the individual needs of residents and businesses in Ocean Grove, and the wider Bellarine region.

“Each system will also include an Ubi, a smart control device, which efficiently monitors and manages energy, and will open the potential to trade power with neighbours in the future.”

Ms Brown said it is expected that the program will bring strong cost savings to electricity users and as part of the program, Mondo will also donate a large solar system to a non-profit community facility in the region.

“With the help of a community grant from the City of Greater Geelong OGCA and 100% Clean Bellarine, have initiated this program to help transition the Bellarine to a zero emissions future.”

Karen Weaver, president of 100% Clean Bellarine said they are a not-for-profit community organisation with the goal of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy for the region.

“Our vision is to integrate an energy supply where everybody can actively participate in the generation, storage and sharing of electricity throughout the Bellarine.”

To register, head to eventbrite.com.au and search Ocean Grove Community Solar Program.