Solar Communities Program

Solar Communities Program

The Coalition Government is supporting our local community organisations to be more energy efficient, reducing emissions and lowering their power bills. A $5 million Solar Communities Program will provide grants of up to $12,500 for eligible community organisations for small-scale solar and battery projects, which is part of their $50 million investment in the Energy Efficient Communities Program.

Grants could be used to fund new solar PV, solar hot water and battery systems. Solar systems can generate electricity during the day and the battery systems can store electricity to run lights, refrigeration and air conditioning systems into the evening.

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open and should be returned to the office of Tony Pasin, MP,  by 26 March 2019.

EECP_Solar Communities Grants_Form_Tony Pasin MP-1.pdf

FAQ:

How Do I apply?

Complete the above EOI and return via email to [email protected] or return to either of Tony Pasin's electorate offices at Murray Bridge or Mount Gambier.  Please note EOI forms must be received by the closing date.

Who is eligible?

You must be a community organisation that is a legal entity, able to enter into a grant agreement with the Commonwealth. Your organisation pays the power bills. If you do not own the building in which you operate for you must be able to gain consent from the owner to make modifications/installations to the building. If the building is under lease the lease agreement must be a minimum of 10 years or information provided as to how long you have occupied premises and who from.

When will I know if my EOI is accepted?

Organisations will be notified of their successful or unsuccessful application by early May 2019. After this time a more formal grant process will be administered by the Department of Environment. Details of this process and roll out dates will be provided after successful EOI’s have been notified.

How many grants will be issued?

A total of $5 million has been allocated nationally. Up to four grants will be available per electorate. All EOIs will be assessed on their individual merits including size of systems, estimated cost, electricity saved and the number of community members that may benefit.

For more information about the Solar Communities Program, please contact Mrs Nikki Peterse, Community Liaison Adviser at the Barker Electorate Office on 8724 7730.