The Federal and Queensland Governments have partnered to deliver a community solar and storage program for renters, apartment dwellers and vulnerable people in the state.
Up to 5500 households in Caloundra and Townsville are set to benefit from the installation of shared solar systems, which is expected to save up to $800 a year on electricity bills.
The Queensland Government said it has committed $80 million to Local Renewable Energy Zones (LREZ) projects in Townsville and Caloundra, which will allow the benefits of solar to be shared, including with people living in apartments and low-income renters.
By combining shared solar and the LREZ program, households with rooftop solar can transfer the excess energy they generate during the day into local batteries. The energy is then transferred back during the evening when the sun isn’t shining and energy demand peaks.
Boosting renewable energy production in Caloundra and Townsville is expected to improve grid stability in both regions, ensuring reliable energy supply for local communities.
The Federal Government has committed an additional $21.2 million to expand the Queensland LREZ projects’ solar capacity by an additional 10.6MW.
The investment is part of the Federal Government’s Community Solar Banks program, which is delivering access to shared solar for 25,000 homes across Australia that have found it difficult to access solar in the past.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said that the Federal Government is delivering lasting savings to households by helping reduce energy bills through greater access to cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy.
“Queenslanders have some of the country’s best sunshine. The Federal Government’s Solar Banks program is making sure everyone can enjoy cheap solar power in their homes,” Mr Bowen said.
“By partnering with the Queensland Government, we’re making it easier for Queenslanders to access the cheapest form of energy and cut power bills.”
Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, said that the new deal with the Federal Government is a welcome opportunity for Queensland to deliver more affordable and reliable power to apartments and homes that would otherwise not have access to solar.
“Queensland is the sunshine state, so making sure we tap cheap energy from the sun for the benefit of everyone in our community makes perfect sense, and that’s what this partnership will deliver.
“The Solar Banks investment will provide a boost to the work the Queensland Government is already doing in Caloundra and Townsville; putting control of energy into the hands of local communities.”
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