Murray Now

The Swan Hill Rural City Council are encouraging residents to participate in a solar energy program which aims to reduce their energy bill and create more environmentally sustainable households. Each householder will be able to purchase a package which includes solar panel equipment, installation, and assistance in feeding electricity back into the grid and accessing government incentives. There are also plans for finance options to assist residents with the upfront capital costs. The aim is to attain 1000kW’s installed within the Swan Hill Rural City Council, hence the project named “Swan Hill Region 1000 Solar Project”.

A number of similar successful solar buying programs are currently in practice across Victoria, and it is hoped that this project can create similar results for the Swan Hill region. Swan Hill Rural City Council is facilitating the project on behalf of Sustainable Living in the Mallee (SLIM) group. The aim of the program is to reduce the barriers to residents investing in solar energy opportunities.

Without the help of local business and major stakeholders such as EkoEnergy, finance providers Bendigo Bank and Swan Hill Credit Union, and in kind support from Swan Hill Rural City Council, this project would not have been possible.

To date the Swan Hill Region 1000 Solar Project has attained some incredible results. These include: • 238 systems = 756 kW’s • $1.48M solar credits and RECs produced locally • 3 more business Clean Energy Council accredited locally • Over $700,000 injected to local trades • 4 solar systems donated to community buildings • Over 1090MWh energy/year produced locally • Over $600,000 annual energy savings • Offset more than 2,200 tonnes of carbon annually • 1300T greenhouse emission reduction annually

Programs such as the “Swan Hill Region 1000 Solar Project” are great economic drivers for regional towns within the Murray region. This project is testament that through local government and partnerships with businesses in the community; worthwhile outcomes for residents are possible. In addition there are long term benefits to the environment. By making regional areas more appealing and innovative through such initiatives, the Murray Region will continue to grow and gain appeal for businesses and individuals alike.

To find out more about the community solar project or to register your interest, please contact Council’s Economic Development Team Leader, Claire Oswin (03) 5032 3033 or email: coswin@swanhill.vic.gov.au