Central Victoria Solar City program deemed a success

17th Oct 2011

The past 12 months have seen a wealth of progress according to the newly-released The Central Victoria Solar City (CVSC) program executive summary for 2010-11.

During this period, 528 participants benefited from the residential solar PV program, with an additional 1,780 home energy assessments being conducted in the region.

The initiative saw 14 local governments unite with households, businesses and communities in order to make the switch to clean, renewable energy.

One particular arm of the scheme saw 20 businesses take part in an energy assessment, with organisers saying that those involved achieved 'an increased sense of control' when it came to bringing about more effective energy consumption.

The establishment of the Bendigo and Ballarat Solar Parks are also a key component of the Solar Cities program.

According to the report: "Both parks located in Bendigo and Ballarat produced more energy than originally estimated.

"Community appetite for community-owned medium scale solar parks has remained very high in the first year of the parks' operations."

CSCV says that it has received a great deal of interest from other communities looking to set up solar parks of their own.

They believe that the two parks have proven the ability of these kinds of operations to cater for the needs of residents, saying : "Bendigo and Ballarat Solar Parks provide a sound basis for the viability of community-owned medium-scale solar when considering the generation capability of the parks."

Other aspects of the program included the 100% Renewable Communities initiative, which engaged locals and raised awareness of economic energy consumption practices.

CSCV utilised volunteers to help everyday Australians trial new technology and behaviour, bringing about a change in attitude as well as a reduction in electricity wastage.

Solar Cities is a program run by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and is designed to help Australians implement sustainable energy technology.

According to the program's official website, the government aims to use the trials as the basis for future energy infrastructure planning.

In addition to Central Victoria, seven cities have taken part so far, including Adelaide, Blacktown, Townsville, Moreland, Perth and Alice Springs.

Data collected from these regions will assist in developing policies and educational programs centred on investing in solar power systems.

The government intends to increase awareness of solar power, in addition to passing on this knowledge to energy companies who may wish to factor clean energy technology into their services.

Posted by Mike Peacock – Solar Correspondent

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Solar Power & Technology

Australia to be a part of huge Asian renewable energy growth
SunPower steps up to make solar more affordable
Canberra makes strides toward carbon neutrality
GTM puts solar's massive growth in perspective
Examining Australia's falling solar PV rooftop prices
Australia's shift toward renewable energy picks up the pace
Australia shines at solar decathlon
University of Queensland tapped as lead researcher on massive solar project
100 per cent renewable energy is possible in 10 years, environmental group says
Climate Commission releases report on solar progress
Aussie government actually shows spine for solar power
Be gone, skeptics: One million solar installations and counting
Australia embarks on its greatest solar journey ever
Australia looks to solar thermal for commercial success
Solar power helps King Island reach 100% sustainability
Australians 'heavy supporters of solar power'
Mildura solar plant officially unveiled
Solar power trumps other renewables in Australian minds
Sunshine Coast solar farm "fantastic initiative"
Sunshine Coast cashes in on namesake with solar plans
Energy storage 'could maximise solar power utility'
Solar powered family car - a world first?
Code of conduct for solar installers in the works
'Stop punishing households' for solar PV
Australian solar companies 'adjusting well'
Australian mining 'next solar frontier'
"Rooftop revolution" underway across Australia
Global PV market emerging from sluggish period
Royalla solar farm receives final approval
Leadership challenge a "debacle" for Australian solar power
Solar power giving global renewables a helping hand
Australia's largest CPV solar power plant up and running
Renewable energy misinformation "staggering"
CEC: Don't underestimate consumer desire for solar
Setting energy efficient examples on TV
Solar PV brightening up household bills
World's largest solar powered boat on the move
Climate change is heating up
The global solar power shift
New solar tech win for NSW
Industry orgs praise City of Sydney solar efforts
Clean Energy Council supports Regional Renewables scheme
Asian nations emerging as PV leaders
Solar PV demand continues to grow
Regional areas of Australia to receive more renewables
Australia's significant renewable energy growth
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
New funding for solar research
Find love with sustainable speed dating
New Victorian solar power deal
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: