Install Rooftop Solar...

The Climate Council recently published '8 New Year's Resolutions on Climate Change', in which Resolution # 3 was 'Install rooftop solar, or switch to green energy' 

"Two million (and counting) Australians are now harnessing the power of the sun to reduce their greenhouse gas pollution and take control of their power bills by installing rooftop solar. And when paired with battery storage, rooftop solar can deliver clean, reliable, renewable power 24/7".

If you are considering installing rooftop solar, you need to do your homework, and might like to begin with chapter 4 of the Climate Council's  climate action toolkit.   You may also find Solar 101 - A Beginner's Guide helpful.  Purchasing from a reputable supplier is important - word of mouth can be helpful as can information such the suggestions as to good installers provided in the Solar 101 video.  

...or purchase green energy?

"Alternatively, if you’re not in a position to purchase solar panels, you could consider making the switch to a clean energy provider, who will purchase renewable energy on your behalf. This is also a great way to bring down greenhouse gas pollution and invest in renewable energy."

There are well established and newly emerging green electricity providers.  Some offers relate more directly to the purchase of renewable energy than others which have a greater or lesser component involving carbon offsets.  It is important to check out each provider's offer to ensure they are a 'good fit' with the values underpinning your pursuit of green energy options. 

The Climate Council recommends check out the Green Electricity Guide for help picking a provider.

Mondo Power's Revised Solar & Battery offer for Benalla closed on 7th December.  Renewable Energy Benalla members reported that 24 people requested information about the revised offer at 'A Day in the Gardens' stall on Sunday 11 November, with other people chatting to REB members at street stalls about the offer  in the Benalla Bridge Street shopping strip on 23, 24 and 30th November and 1st December. ​

Whatever the take up of the Mondo offer, conversations about renewable energy with people who  in the 'early to late contemplation stages' of moving to renewable energy sources, if not quite ready to decide and take action on this particular offer,  are also significant and to be valued.  

As you are no doubt aware, there is a positive and powerful transition unfolding across the Australian electricity sector as more people invest in solar panels on their homes and businesses. Renewable Energy Benalla is encouraging this transition locally alongside a vibrant renewable energy sector.

Renewable Energy Benalla (REB) was formed with the specific intent to help Benalla transition to a low-carbon future. REB has worked closely with many local people and with the support of Beyond Zero Emissions, a not-for-profit carbon reduction agency, to develop a strategy for Benalla to transition to 100% renewable energy over the next 10 years.

Across Benalla Rural City 21% of Benalla properties are already experiencing the great benefits of renewable energy, which include;

• Stabilising household electricity costs,
• Reinvestment in the local economy, and
• Reducing carbon emissions.

A wide range of solar systems are available on the market and it is extremely important to scrutinize the quality, performance and durability of various technologies and brands. 
 
REB have been partnering with energy market experts, Mondo Power to offer a solar and battery package to encourage more people to join this transition to clean renewable energy. This revised offer from Mondo Power has a pricing structure which includes the Mondo Ubi, a smart energy monitoring and management device which enables the creation of microgrids. The offer is based on high quality solar systems tailored to match the individual needs of Benalla residents, which includes the Ubi and the ability to integrate a battery system. The attachments provide more detail about the Ubi, microgrids and pricing structure.
 
This offer is due to end on the 7th of December, 2018, so please submit your ‘expression of interest’ to have an obligation free site-inspection completed at your home:  https://mondopower.com.au/benalla/  
 
A further advantage of this current offer is that it coincides with the Victorian government's Solar Home Program which is aimed at installing solar panels on the roofs of thousands of Victorian homes. This scheme offers a 50% rebate for any solar panel system under 10kW, up to a maximum rebate of $2225. More details can be found at the program's website: www.solar.vic.gov.au
 
REB looks forward to working with the community to help the transition to 100% renewable energy. For more information on how we aim to achieve this please visit our website:  www.reb.org.au
 
John Lloyd
Convenor
Renewable Energy Benalla"

New, renewable energies are changing the way we get our energy. We are no longer reliant entirely on power from the big energy generators and companies.

We need to make sure that communities benefit from the renewable energy. The Community Energy model gives local towns and regions power over how they generate and consume electricity.

Join us at a Community Energy Forum on Friday 3rd August at BPACC and find out what community energy means for you and our region.

Locally generated renewable energy will create local jobs, cleaner energy and allow the community to control where their energy comes from. It means that towns can create mini-grids, where residents can trade power between themselves – powered by household solar and battery energy. This reduces reliance on the dirty and expensive national energy grid.

A local community energy retailer is currently being developed to allow towns and regions to achieve their renewable energy goals.

Come along and listen to some of Australia's foremost experts in the field explain how we can harness this new form of energy to build a new model of energy.

Three great speakers will outline what community energy is and how we can benefit from it: Simon Corbell, Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate; Nicky Ison, Co-founder of the Community Power Agency; Alison Rowe, Chief Executive Officer of Moreland Energy Foundation.
​
This is a free event but please RSVP for the Benalla meeting by 3 August at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/benalla-community-energy-forum-tickets-47537010478

Download the Forum Flyer.