State money for local solar push

A $403,000 “community solar investment” will save an aged care facility $29,000 on electricity annually, according to the office of Geelong MP Christine Couzens.
State Government contributed $140,000 to the Geelong Sustainability Group project at Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS), her office confirmed.
Geelong Sustainability “hit new heights” with the State funding, co-ordinator Dan Cowdell said.
The group now planned similar projects at other Geelong businesses and not-for-profit organisations, he said.
Under the group’s Community Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) model participants leased solar systems from “community investors”, Mr Cowdell explained.
Participants saved on electricity during the lease term then owned the system outright after the final payment, he said.
“This project really is win-win-win. Community investors get a return on investment, local organisations get solar for zero upfront costs, and of course the environment wins with more clean energy generated in Geelong.”
The aged care project would remove 210 to tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, “equivalent to taking 60 cars off the road per year or planting 1474 trees each year”, Mr Cowdell said.
Ms Couzens said Victoria’s “first replicable community solar investment model” tapped the state’s $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund.
“We are fighting climate change through meaningful community engagement, protecting our environment for future generations,” Ms Couzens said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our region. This project will contribute towards delivering the renewable energy target of 40 per cent by 2025, increasing the uptake of renewable energy generation and reducing the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
Lara MP John Eren said the project demonstrated the state government’s commitment to “providing real energy solutions for the future of Victoria”.
“Through the New Energy Jobs Fund we are securing Victoria’s future as a competitive, innovative and outward-looking economy,” Mr Eren said.
“Renewables are the future of our energy mix and through initiatives like this we are improving Victoria’s renewable energy capabilities.”