Public buildings turn to solar in next step towards Yackandandah’s renewable energy future
A “public virtual power plant” will be created in Yackandandah when 10 community buildings move to micro-grid enabled solar systems, worth a total of $104,000.
Four public halls, a sporting stadium, museum and two fire stations will be among the buildings and will be able to share energy through community energy retailer Indigo Power.
Yackandandah Fire Station will also receive a battery system to give it capability to operate in emergency scenarios where the main grid supply may be cut off.
Totally Renewable Yackandandah spokesman Matthew Charles-Jones said the solar systems were another step towards the town meeting its 100 per cent renewable energy target by 2022.
“These installations will allow us to cut energy costs to local volunteer groups, while reducing carbon emissions and underwriting a boost to the local economy,” he said.
Renewable Albury Wodonga will also receive $54,000 to support the installation of micro-grid enabled solar power systems on 10 social housing homes.
Both community energy projects will receive funding from the Victorian government’s “renewable communities” grant program.