Related story: Energising own electricity
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An exciting new project is commencing in Gloucester to generate solar electricity for the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG).
The solar system will supply a considerable proportion of the electricity used by BWNG and significantly reduce its costs. Energise Gloucester (EG) has spent this year developing and designing the project.
As part of the project the group is now calling for quotations addressing the supply and installation of the system. Companies interested in submitting a quotation can access the documentation by contacting John Edwards at lynjohn@edwards.com.au.
The system will generate about 30kw of power from 120 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the building. Many community energy groups around Australia, like EG, use this model. A well-known example is ‘Repower Shoalhaven’ which has successfully completed projects for the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club, Kangaroo Valley Community Centre and the Nowra Bowling Club (www.repower.net.au).
EG will initially pay for the system with BWNG buying cheaper electricity from EG. After about three years BWNG will own the system, significantly reducing its power bills.
EG was delighted to receive a $10,000 grant from energy retailer Powershop, which, together with the government rebate, has financed half of the project.
EG is now seeking interest free loans or donations from the community to fund the remainder of the cost, with the loan to be repaid in full at the end of the loan period or the finalisation of the project. To be part of this exciting endeavour, contact chairperson David Marston on 0438 316 644.
The BWNG project is the first initiative of Energise Gloucester, which was formed last year. Other community energy opportunities are now being considered and developed. The aim of EG is to empower the community to develop and run its own locally controlled, environmentally responsible, financially successful renewable energy program.
It will be achieved by:
- assisting the population to use energy more efficiently and therefore reduce costs;
- providing sources of clean, affordable renewable energy sources for residents and businesses;
- improving community cohesion through improving prosperity; and
- increasing the diversity of enterprises using renewable energy.
For information about EG, visit www.energisegloucester.org, its Facebook page or contact Cam Laurie on 02 6558 5559 or 0409 585 504.