|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Solar power on the up in ForbesLast modified: August 6, 2008 - 8:04 AM
Forbes is the first town in regional Australia to take part in SolarUp Australia, a new community project that’s working with regional Councils to convert households to solar energy – quickly, easily and affordably. This week Council will mail information about the SolarUp Australia Community Project to Forbes residents, offering them the opportunity to install solar hot water and solar electricity (PV) that will convert the sun’s rays into solar energy to save money on energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Mayor Rhonda Keane said “the community will benefit from the SolarUp Community Project through reduced energy consumption, reduction of greenhouse emissions and increased employment opportunities for local installers.” Under the SolarUp Australia Community Project, householders will be able to have solar hot water and/or solar electric energy generation (photovoltaic) systems installed on their properties and take advantage of the State and Federal Government Rebates on offer. "Forbes Shire Council has been able to negotiate a special rate for solar electricity (PV) Systems, saving our residents even more. The PV System has been discounted another $800 off the already reduced sale price of $13,600 for an installed 1kW System. With Rebates of up to $8,800 available to eligible households, the end cost of the System would be only $3,999! Also, consider converting from electric to Solar Hot Water and save up to 80% in hot water heating costs which, over 10years, means your household will have contributed 30 tonnes less greenhouse gas emissions to the environment," said Mayor Keane.At a State and Federal Government level, Councils across Australia are being encouraged to consider all methods of reducing the carbon footprint to limit the impact of climate change. Regional Australia has been slow to take up Federal and State Rebates, with a complex application process highlighted as a contributing factor. Council is assisting by distributing a direct mailer about the SolarUp Australia Community Program direct to all residents (enclosed with rates notices this week). SolarUp Australia is then able to provide a one-stop-shop to quote, install and process all Rebate paperwork. Mayor Keane said “on behalf of Council I’d like to encourage Forbes residents to take part in the SolarUp Australia Community Project to show to the rest of Australia what a regional community can do to protect the environment in the long term (and save money at the same time).” Contact details |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| Links to other Councils |
|
|
© 2008 Forbes Shire Council |
 |
