PROJECTS
For News and Information about the Ranges Energy solar farm, please see Ranges Energy Co-operative Ltd. solar farm, on the HOME page.
CARBON COMPENSATORSThe Association has set up a system for members of the public to help compensate for their vehicle emissions. Carbon Compensator Certificates are issued for each $10. from all who participate.
The money raised will be put into solar power systems on community buildings. Initially these will be in Emerald.
See Carbon Compensators on the HOME page.SOLAR NEIGHBOURHOOD
In April 08 the ‘Belgrave / Upwey Solar Neighbourhood’ was launched at a public meeting attended by more than 100 people. The aim was to put solar power systems on the roofs of 50 houses as well as 3 Community Buildings.
Thanks to this project, Emerald Library, Belgrave Library and Kallista Primary School now have 2kW solar power systems and by mid 2009, 41 houses had 1kW solar power systems. Participants were able to access the government rebate and if they wished, could sell their renewable energy certificates, making their solar systems much more affordable at that time.
The Association sourced grants from
Sustainability Victoria and Solar in Schools for the community buildings.
SOLAR HOT WATER
In March 2009 we began a new project to enable our members to install solar hot water systems.
This discount, bulk purchase was available for any members of DRREA who live in the Dandenong Ranges area. Unfortunately, the offer was very short-lived..
EMERALD SOLAR VILLAGEThe ‘Emerald Solar Village’ project has the support of Cardinia Shire Council and local community groups. We aim to make Emerald a showcase of renewable energy.
When completed we hope to have 30kW of solar systems on community and commercial buildings in Emerald.
Some of the funding will come from the community, through their Carbon Compensators participation. Some initial funding has come from Upwey Community Bank and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, to help set up the Carbon Compensators scheme.
The Association is planning this project because it believes that the answers to climate change must come from within the community. We also believe in a distributed energy system where more electricity is produced close to where it is consumed.
COMMUNITY SOLAR POWER
This was our first major project. We worked with Emerald Primary School to achieve the Emerald Community Solar Power System.
Applications were made for the Sustainability Victoria's ‘Solar in Schools’ grant and for the Federal Schools and Community Buildings PV Rebate.
Members of DRREA contributed some of the panelsand local businesses and community members contributed to the 'Community Panel'.
In February 2008 the 2.9 kW solar power system, consisting of 18 solar panels, was installed on the school’s roof. Another 6 panels were added in 2009, making it a 3.9 kW system. (See Photo Gallery) Further panels have now been added.
For more information go to: www.eps.vic.edu.au