The Turnbull Government is helping community groups in South Australia to do their bit for the environment at the same time as reducing their electricity bills.
Seventeen community groups in the cities of Playford and Salisbury are to share $300,000 to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems on their buildings under round two of the Solar Towns Programme.
“The Solar Towns Programme is an opportunity for communities to reap the benefits of the Turnbull Government’s investment in renewable energy,” Minister Hunt said.
“We are supporting grassroots community organisations in South Australia, including sports groups, multicultural groups and The Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul to lower their costs whilst playing their part in reducing our carbon footprint.”
“Together these 17 projects will generate around 320KW of clean, renewable energy, which will help these hard-working community organisations lower their electricity bills and is also a great result for the environment.”
“This Government is providing over $15 billion in support for renewables and lower emissions.”
“Earlier this month, I officially opened the nation’s two largest solar PV plants in Nyngan and Broken Hill, supported by $166.7 million of Australian Government investment.”
“We also recently announced 22 solar projects shortlisted to receive funding under a $100 million large-scale solar PV competitive round.”
Small-scale community and household solar is an important part of the renewable energy mix. Over 1.4 million households, small businesses and community organisations across Australia have installed solar panels. More than 900,000 have invested in solar hot water systems.
“Households are investing in solar because the Australian Government mandates more than $3000 in rebates for an average solar system. That’s about 30 per cent of the total cost of installation,” Minister Hunt said.
“Last year’s federal budget provided small businesses with an immediate tax deduction for eligible assets valued up to $20,000 – this includes solar panels, solar hot water systems, heat pumps and storage.”
“The Energy Supply Association of Australia has confirmed that Australia has the highest proportion of households with solar panels in the world – about 15 per cent. The next largest is Belgium at around 7.5 per cent and then Germany at 3.7 per cent.”
Senator for South Australia Sean Edwards said he was delighted to see community groups benefit from the Turnbull Government’s investment in renewable energy.
“I am pleased to see that the work to install an 18kW solar photovoltaic panel system on the building used by the Angle Vale Scout Group will deliver benefits to the community and the environment by saving energy, reducing emissions and lowering energy costs,” Senator Edwards said.
“Thanks to this funding the Salvation Army’s Ingle Farm community centre, the Parafield Gardens community club and the Dutch Social and Welfare Club are also all set to get 30kW systems, which will provide a tangible benefit for them and for the communities that they serve.”
The Solar Towns Programme is part of the Australian Government’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is an opportunity for communities to engage with clean renewable energy.
(ENDS)