The Solar Savers program, which began in May 2017 has been funded with a $760,000 grant through the Victorian Government New Energy Jobs Fund and is being delivered the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) on behalf of participating councils.

While the City of Ballarat is also among a host of Victorian councils delivering a program for elderly and disadvantaged residents, it is Hepburn resident who have the quickest to pick up the program.

Since August 2017, when Hepburn was added to the list of participating councils, 45 homes have taken up the solar option, far and away the highest throughout the region.

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Ballarat has seen 10 homes installed and more than 200 enquiries, Ararat eight homes, Central Goldfields six and Pyrenees four.

City of Ballarat acting director infrastructure and environment Natalie Robertson said program aimed to help pensioners install solar panels on their homes with no upfront costs.

“Participating households will gradually pay for their panels with a low-interest bank loan over 10 years,” she said.

“At the same time, power bill savings will more than cover the cost of loan repayments. The Solar Savers model means every household will be at least $100 ahead at the end of each year.”

Climate Council energy expert Petra Stock said support from councils to install solar power could be a lifesaver for many residents.

Go to solarsavers.org.au

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