RETIREE residents of the Old Colonists\u2019 Association of Ballarat\u2019s Charles Anderson Grove village are benefiting from the installation of solar power technology.<\/p>\n
Two-to-three-kilowatt solar panels have been installed on the roofs or carports of the social housing site\u2019s 37 heritage and brand-new cottages, and on the community centre, lowering the retirees\u2019 living costs and emissions output.<\/p>\n
OCA president Jo Barber said the ability to generate cheap and clean energy will \u201cempower residents to take even more control of their life.\u201d<\/p>\n
With advocacy from the Old Colonists\u2019 Association\u2019s 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\u2019s Ballarat Branch, and Solar Victoria.<\/p>\n
Her team of volunteers will work with the village\u2019s residents into the future, assisting them to maximise their usage of the panels and power.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is absolutely wonderful in providing a financial buffer, bringing peace of mind and confidence to daily living.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is potential for the solar systems to be fitted with batteries in the future to conserve extra generated energy for later use.<\/p>\n
BREAZE president Mary Debrett said the Grampians Renewable Energy Program ties into BREAZE\u2019s Social Solar Program goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been bringing cheaper power to those who benefit most, creating local jobs when they were most needed, and reducing emissions, addressing the climate emergency,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith many years\u2019 experience managing our Social Solar Program that puts solar on not-for-profits, BREAZE Inc\u2019s project coordinator Peter Reid has worked tirelessly to bring this project in on time and on budget.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charles Anderson Grove will turn 100 in 2025, while The Old Colonists\u2019 Association have been a philanthropic supporter of the Ballarat community since 1882.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RETIREE residents of the Old Colonists\u2019 Association of Ballarat\u2019s 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\u2019s 37 heritage and brand-new cottages, and on the community centre, lowering the retirees\u2019 living costs and emissions […]<\/p>\n