Applications for funding through the 2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 3) can now be submitted.
Part of the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the $2.1 million Solar Towns Programme provides funding to community organisations wanting to install solar power systems or solar hot water systems on existing buildings that provide services to the local community.
With electricity costs often a major burden for community groups, the installation of a solar PV or hot water system can free up precious funding for use in core activities.
Round 3 funding is available in the following areas of Queensland and Victoria.
- Mount Alexander Shire, Victoria;
- The City of Monash, Victoria;
- The Macedon Ranges Shire and the Town of Sunbury, Victoria;
- The electorates of Bonner and Moreton, Queensland.
The program may be particularly popular in Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires, which are both experiencing a solar revolution resulting from local solar bulk-buy initiatives.
Individual grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 (GST exclusive) will be made available in the latest Solar Towns Programme round.
Community organisations that do not own the building at which a proposed system will be installed are still able to apply, assuming they have the building owner’s consent and the owner is prepared to complete a relevant form.
Applicants will need to source at least two quotes from solar installers who are appropriately qualified and accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC).
Projects funded under the Solar Towns Programme must be able to be completed within 12 months from date of execution of the funding agreement.
Previous rounds offered funding for solar installations in the City of Playford and the City of Salisbury in South Australia, and in the Surf Coast Shire of Victoria. Among the 20 recipients in Victoria was the Torquay Country Fire Authority; which will be installing a 15.3kW solar panel system.
The Solar Towns Programme is being run over three years. Applications for the latest round close at 2:00PM (AEDT) on 12 February 2016. Further information on the initiative can be viewed here.
For community groups unable to access funding under the Programme, the Solar Credits scheme is also available; which can reduce the cost of going solar by thousands of dollars.
