Solar program endorsed by Council for early-2023

QUEENSCLIFFE Climate Action Now (QCAN) is launching a community solar program for residents, businesses, and community organisations in early 2023.

The program, which is supported by Borough of Queenscliffe, aims to reduce confusion surrounding accessing solar technologies and encourage an uptake in renewable energy technology across the Borough.

“Our primary aim is to make installing solar, batteries and heat pumps easy and affordable,” QCAN president Kitty Walker said.

“Navigating what system you need and which installer to trust can be confusing, so we’re doing the hard work to find the best package that will ultimately save you money on energy bills and dramatically reduce our community’s emissions.”

QCAN has supported the Point Lonsdale Bowls Club (PLBC) board to install a solar panel system to help reduce the club’s power bills and their emissions profile.

PLBC chair Rob Nicholls said QCAN provided peace of mind throughout the process which was invaluable.

“There was no point in getting three quotes if we couldn’t understand them,” Mr Nicholls said.

“QCAN’s support was the critical factor. We had the security of going with something tried and true.”

QCAN is calling for expressions of interest from a range of experienced renewable energy companies to find a reliable and trustworthy solar retailer who can deliver competitively priced, quality products.

Ms Walker said the group will undertake a thorough due diligence process with the help of an independent renewable energy consultant to ensure it selects the best delivery partner for this program.

Borough mayor Isabelle Tolhurst said the program fell in line with the borough’s nationally recognised climate emergency response plan.

“It’s really about the filling the core goals surrounding that, emissions reduction and renewable energy usage,” Cr Tolhurst said.

“So, we think that this program is a real fitting example of what the community can do to come together to achieve those goals.

“We’re always on the lookout for local business with an abundance of roof space to help accelerate the adoption of renewables.”

The program will be launched at a major community meeting in mid-February 2023, but those wishing to get started earlier can do so by contacting QCAN via its website at www.queenscliffeclimateaction.org/communitysolar