Council supports program for residents to go solar with peace-of-mind

Murrindindi Shire Council is excited to announce its new partnership with Yarra Energy Foundation to deliver a community solar bulk buy program.

The Dindi Bulk Buy Program will offer Shire residents, businesses, clubs, farms, weekenders and off-grid properties access to genuine, impartial advice and discounted solar products and systems.

Set to launch in May 2018, the Dindi Bulk Buy Program will run for a 12-month period.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Natural Environment and Climate Change Portfolio Councillor Rebecca Bowles said the Dindi Bulk Buy Program is a great opportunity for locals to find out more about their solar choices.

“We recognise there is a flood of information in the market when it comes to solar PV panels, batteries, inverters and installation options, and it can be confusing at the best of times.

“If you’re interested in finding out more about your solar options, a series of free solar seminars will be run in Alexandra, Kinglake, Marysville and Yea. These will be an important step in helping our community make informed decisions about the systems that will work best for them.

“The Dindi Bulk Buy Program was developed because it’s a positive action toward achieving our strategic environmental goals. At the moment, an estimated 23 per cent of Murrindindi Shire dwellings have some form of solar power, but we want that to grow.

“The liveability of the Shire and the quality of life enjoyed by its residents is very much dependent on the maintenance of a healthy, functioning natural environment, and that means managing finite-resource consumption,” Cr Bowles said.

Murrindindi Shire Council General Manager Infrastructure and Development Services Stuart McConnell said Yarra Energy Foundation will be project managing the Program and customer support.

“This will include a hotline for Shire residents to request a quote, and to access impartial solar advice on quotes received from other suppliers. Meanwhile, Yarra Energy Foundation have engaged Jim’s Energy, following a rigorous procurement and audit process, to manage quotations, sales and installations in Murrindindi Shire.

“Jim’s Energy have agreed to work with local installers ensuring they are given the opportunity to be employed as sub-contractors throughout the project life cycle. Yarra Energy Foundation in partnership with Council is planning to run a seminar for local installers to pass on opportunities for involvement with the Program. Details of this seminar will be announced soon however local installers are encouraged to get into contact with Council to register their interest.

“Furthermore, Jim’s Energy has offered to donate and install a solar system on a community building if we are able to meet our target of installing 50kW under this Program,” Mr McConnell said.

For more information on the Dindi Bulk Buy see www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au or contact Zoe Blakeney Coordinator Environmental Programs 5772 0333.

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