People with a disability living in social housing are saving money on energy costs thanks to the installation of rooftop solar panels.
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Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions installed 52 kilowatts of solar panels and a battery on McCallum Disability Services residential buildings in October 2020.
McCallum executive manager accommodation services Noelene Collins said McCallum was 'extremely grateful' for this project which was benefiting homes in Ballarat and St Arnaud.
"The installation of the solar panels and battery has reduced energy costs in these homes and is providing sustainable renewable energy. It's a real win-win project," she said.
The installation was completed as part of the Grampians Renewable Energy Program, funded by the Victorian Government.
The government provided $1.1 million for rooftop solar and battery installations at nine community buildings and sites.
The installation of 52kW of solar panels and a battery will help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce energy costs for our residents who live within these homes.
- Matt Vallance, McCallum Disability Services
McCallum provides social housing for about 50 people with intellectual and physical disability in Ballarat and St Arnaud.
A 42kW system was installed on units in Leopold Street in Alfredton and a 10kW system and large capacity battery at Queens Avenue in St Arnaud.
McCallum business development and infrastructure manager Matt Vallance reported more than $200 saved on each of the three units in the final quarter of 2020, totalling more than $600 in total.
"The installation of 52kW of solar panels and a battery will help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce energy costs for our residents who live within these homes," he said.
The McCallum renewable energy project was identified through BREAZE's Ballarat Community Power Hub Pilot from 2017 to 2020.
RELATED COVERAGE: BREAZE gives community the power to drive move to renewable energy
The not-for-profit is planning more social housing for people with special needs with an aim build to the highest 10-star energy efficiency rating.
This will be supported through the BREAZE Social Solar program which draws on public donations and government and philanthropic grants to finance renewable energy installations for not for profits.
BREAZE president Mary Debrett said both the completed and upcoming projects were terrific outcomes for McCallum, the community and the environment.
"A raft of community benefits ensues from this work: charitable groups that would not otherwise be able to afford clean energy are able to enjoy the cost savings it brings and can then use those savings to better serve their client base; greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired energy are reduced; more people become aware of the value of clean renewable energy; and local businesses gain from the work involved in the installations," she said.
"With the City of Ballarat having recently committed to an ambitious, community-wide emissions reductions target - net zero by 2030 - increasing access to renewable energy has added significance for local residents, helping to establish our city as a progressive leader in the fight against climate change, something in which we can all take pride."
RELATED COVERAGE: Solar project cuts costs and emissions for social housing residents
Ms Debrett said BREAZE looked forward to delivering another eight renewable projects across the region in coming months as part of the Grampians Renewable Energy Program.
The group is working with East Grampians Health Services in Ararat, Uniting, the Old Colonists' Association, Child and Family Services Ballarat, Ballarat Regional Industries, Ballarat General Cemeteries, Ballarat Table Tennis Association and Ballarat Squash and Racquetball Association.
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