Swan Hill Theatre Group's electricity bill is going to be halved thanks to the installation of a free 6.6kW solar power system funded through the Mallee Sun Solar Bulk-Buy community bonus program.
Electricity bill savings resulting from the solar installation will be used by the Swan Hill Theatre Group to help fund the replacement of their stage lighting, with more efficient LED lights in order to reduce their running costs and CO2 emissions.
This is the second free solar system funded through the Mallee Sun Solar Bulk-Buy, a partnership program with Swan Hill Rural City Council which is organised by the not-for-profit Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance.
Trudy Rose Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Swan Hill Theatre Group Incorporation said they were delighted to be selected as the recipient of the community bonus through the Mallee Sun Solar Bulk-Buy.
"This solar system is going to make a big difference to our ongoing running costs, both in terms of the electricity bill savings and the additional savings we will make once the LED lighting is installed.
"Our thanks to everyone involved in the bulk-buy for making this possible – local installers did a terrific job too," Ms Rose said.
Ms Rose said the project included a few additional complexities including the need for approval for solar installation on a heritage listed and also challenges due to the steepness of the roof.
Swan Hill Rural City Council's Mayor Bill Moar said Council was pleased that another solar system had been installed for a local community group through the program.
"The Swan Hill Theatre Group is very popular within our community – we are glad to have been able to support this community bonus grant which will help to ensure the ongoing viability of the Swan Hill Theatre Group," Cr Moar said.
Matt Iannucci, owner of Swan Hill Solar and Electrical said he enjoyed working on the Mallee Sun Solar Bulk Buy.
"We have installed literally hundreds of kilowatts of solar on homes and farms in the Swan Hill region through the bulk-buy in the last year and this has been a great kickstart for our business.
"We see the Mallee Sun program as a win for the environment, a win for residents going solar, and a win for the community," he said.
For details on how to apply on behalf of a community group or school, visit malleesunsolar.org.au, www.swanhill.vic.gov.au
