Cann River bulks up on solar

Cann Valley Bush Nursing is bulking up its solar energy capture.

The not-for-profit organisation has received a 3.4kW solar system made possible through East Gippsland Shire Council’s Solar Bulk Buy program. The program offered the opportunity for community organisations to apply to receive a free 3.4kW solar system valued at about $4,000.

Mayor Cr John White said the solar donation represents one per cent of total sales achieved as part of the program.

“Cann River Bush Nursing Centre was selected on the strength of its application from a field of 32 other local not-for-profits located in the municipality,” Cr White said.

“The great news is that the Bush Nursing Centre could see the value in upgrading the donation to a 10kW solar system, using $8,000 of its own money, to assist in covering its daytime energy use.

“It is anticipated that the installation of this solar system will reduce the organisation’s power consumption by about half,” Cr White said.

Cr White said being able to facilitate this donation to assist a well-deserving community organisation was great news.

“The Bush Nursing Centre provides a vitally important service to the Cann River and district community and being able to help reduce electricity bills will mean providing that service will be a little easier,” Cr White said.

“Reduced operating costs means the centre can support other essential services.”

The donation was made available from Yarra Energy Foundation and eko energy. Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) is the Council’s project partner in the solar bulk buy and eko energy is a Victorian provider of solar and energy storage services that specialises in delivering solar bulk buys to communities.

Yarra Energy Foundation and its supply partner eko energy are delighted that the donation is going to such a worthy recipient, and looks forward to installing the system and supporting the community

Cr White said the Council Plan 2017-2021 has a strategic objective of reducing Council’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by 2021.

“The plan identifies working with communities to be resource smart and invest in innovative programs and projects to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This project is certainly doing just that.”