“Murchison Goes Solar” An initiative of the Murchison Action Group sub-committee co-convenors Geoff Lodge & Yvonne Forrest Supported by COGS & assisted by the “Solar Champions” Colin James, Rob French, Sandra Vazzoler, Karen Brisbane, Jan Dunlop, John Laing, Des Whitfield, David Black, Terry Court & Marty Morris

Project Objectives Phase 1: To raise community awareness of climate change and implement practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions Establish a pilot Sustainable Energy Buyers Group for bulk purchase discounts of photovoltaic solar panels Phase 2: Investigate the cost effectiveness of other discounted renewable energy products (as determined by a project team) & purchase as required

A grid connected PV solar system

Solar Power Components Inverters PV solar panels

Solar Homes & Communities Plan Government Rebates (Dept. of Environment Water Heritage & the Arts) Residential Rebate scheme Household annual taxable income below $100,000 may be eligible for a up to $8,000 PV system must be designed and installed at the principal place of residence NEW SYSTEM: Up to 1 $8/w up to 1,000w ($8,000 rebate) UPGRADE EXISTING SYSTEM: Current PV systems can be upgraded to a max. size of $5/w up to 1,000w ($5,000 rebate) STAND ALONE SYSTEM: Those eligible for Renewable Remote Power Generation Program are not eligible for the Residential Rebate scheme Community Buildings scheme A competitive scheme with an educational element 50% rebate for the cost of a 2 kW PV system Larger PV systems allowed although component not funded Schools eligible through the National Solar Schools plan ($50,000)

Solar Homes & Communities Plan Government Rebates (Dept. of Environment Water Heritage & the Arts) General Conditions Designer and installer must be accredited with Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy General Comments The Residential Rebate Scheme will accept 6,000 residential systems

Photovoltaic Panel system Indicative cost of a 1kW Photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system grid connected with a 1kW converter $13,500 Less group discount $ 2,000 government rebate $ 8,000 Renewable Energy Certificate $ 1,000 Out of pocket expense $ 2,500 Serviceable life: PV Panels typically have a 25 year (warranty) Inverters have a 5 year warranty & serviceable life of approx 12 years

How much power does a 1kW system produce? 1kW system in Northern Victoria will produce approximately: 4-5 kW/day 1,750 kW/year $280/yr reduction on power bill Victorian feed-in tariff pricing  $0.60/kW nett (ie surplus to household use). To be resolved in October 2008 for implementation 1 st January  Not all power distributors accept a feed-in tariff (Origin does) Payback period approx. 9 years (assume cash payment/fixed power price)

Where to from here? Expression of Interest to proceed with project investigations (tonight) Establish project team (tonight) Revise project name/seek further funding/project governance/review timeframes (scheduled for 8 th Oct) Develop specifications for EOI quotes (5 weeks) Invite EOI & select preferred supplier (4 weeks) Hold public meeting with selected supplier & invite sign up (early Dec 2008)

Sustainable House Open Day 360 Willow Road Murchison Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 Sept 10am-3pm For more information contact Karen Brisbane ____________________ Website for more information on solar rebates