queensland announces solar grants

Queensland Announces Solar Grants For Community Groups

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solar power grants
Under its "Do The Bright Thing" program to boost the uptake of solar power in the state, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh is encouraging non-profit sporting and community groups to take up grants from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.

"By switching to solar, sporting and community groups can make great savings on their electricity bills as well as help reduce the State's carbon emissions," the Premier said.

Eligible sporting and community organisations throughout Queensland will be able to apply for grants to support the purchase and installation of 1.5 kilowatt solar power systems and/or solar hot water systems.

Up to $3.3 million in grants will be directed to solar projects from the fund annually over the next three years, generated cumulative savings of up to $245,000 each year in electricity costs. The initiative will avoid around 1,200 megawatt hours of mains grid electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1,300 tonnes per annum.

The solar power grants will be available through the Gambling Community Benefit Fund via a competitive application process. Guidelines and application packs will be available from 1 June.

"By installing solar PV panels or solar hot water systems, community groups will save money on electricity bills allowing more funds to go to the services and facilities they provide."

"This will also help us to double Queensland's use of solar energy in five years and build Australia's first virtual solar power station," Premier Bligh said.

For more information about the Gambling Community Benefit Fund's Funding Guidelines, visit the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations (OLGR) website: www.olgr.qld.gov.au.

Queensland community groups can also take advantage of other government solar rebates to finance the cost of installing systems.