East Gippsland Shire Solar Bulk Buy
East Gippsland residents and businesses can take advantage of bulk buying rates for solar technology through a new initiative being launched this Thursday.
The East Gippsland Shire Solar Bulk Buy program, which will run for 12 months, aims to increase the availability of solar in the region. In addition, for every system sold a percentage will be donated to install solar on a local community facility.
The program was launched at 6pm on Thursday 7 June 2018 at The Hub in Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale and 70-80 people attended. The launch also doubled as an information session for people interested in learning more about the program.
Information sessions will also be held in Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Omeo and Bendambra in June and July.
A session specifically for the business community will be held in Bairnsdale; however, business owners are welcome to attend their nearest session.
A bulk buy offers discounted prices for respected solar brands, due to the volume of sales. Yarra Energy Foundation will co-ordinate the rooftop solar installation (and battery storage), making it cheaper and more accessible to the community.
A council requirement is to use local installers to install systems sold through the program.
Details of the other two-hour information sessions are:
- Bairnsdale (launch): Thursday 7 June, from 6pm at The Hub, Dalmahoy Street
- Lakes Entrance: Thursday 21 June, from 5pm at council offices, 55 Palmers Road
- Orbost: Thursday 5 July, from 5pm at Orbost Customer Service Centre, 1 Ruskin Street
- Mallacoota: Friday 6 July, from 12.30-2.30pm Service Centre, 70 Maurice Avenue Mallacoota
- Business session: Wednesday 18 July, from 5pm at Bairnsdale Library, 22 Service Street
- Benambra: Tuesday 17 July, from 1-3pm at Benambra Neighbourhood House, 34 Gibbo Street
- Omeo: Tuesday 17 July, from 5pm at Old Soldiers Memorial Hall, 179 Day Street
At the information sessions, Yarra Energy Foundation and Jim’s Energy will give an overview of solar panels along with commercial and home battery systems available for purchase. They will answer questions on the available options.
Solar energy has been recognised as an important way of reducing the impact of power prices while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Both are key council objectives.
In 2017, council’s Bright Futures Renewable Energy Project looked to identify opportunities for delivering long-term renewable energy solutions.
Following consultation with business, government and the broader community via workshops, interviews and a shire-wide survey, a range of options were recommended for East Gippsland.
Key findings of the project were:
- 85% of survey respondents indicated they were concerned about the cost of electricity
- 88% of community respondents consider that East Gippsland needs to shift to renewable energy
- 73% of respondents believed it was "very important" that council assist with a solar bulk buy
For more information on the East Gippsland Shire Solar Bulk Buy program or to register your interest phone 1300 866 634 or visit www.eastgippslandbulkbuy.com.au.
