Solar New England: Overview

Purpose

The purpose of the Solar New England Region Project is to significantly progress a vision for the New England Region to become a Solar Region through a whole of community installation of domestic solar power systems.
This project forms part of the New England Sustainable Strategy.

Sustainability

Increase the Region's ability to meet the needs of current and future generations.

Whole of Community

Availability of the project to residences in the city, towns and villages across the whole Region.
Partnership with, and involvement of, key local and regional stakeholders.

Capacity Building

Increase the skills, knowledge, and resources of:

• Residents
• Key stakeholders
• The Region as a whole

in the areas of sustainability, and domestic solar power.

Planning

Goals and Targets of Phase 1 and 2:

• Ensure domestic solar power systems to 400 residents (1%) 1 in the New England Region by 30 June 2009. Capitalising on the $8000 federal Govt rebate.
• Training sessions for at least 10 local people in the installation of domestic solar energy systems
• Set aside 1% of project funds for the New England Sustainability Foundation
• Extensive communication of key messages regarding solar energy and sustainability across the Region and through other targeted communications channels (in the process of being created).

2 Source: Armidale Facts < Figures, ABS 2007: Total population of New England Region 38,386; Armidale 24,684; Uralla 5,987; Guyra 4,411; Walcha 3,304

Technology

Using Wattson Energy Meter and Holmes (Wattson's operating software) to monitor, inform, and educate, energy users.

• Inform people to enable them to optimise their energy use, especially during peak sunlight hours, maximising Feed in tarrif
• Reduce energy use through awareness of consumption. Daily, weekly, monthly, yearly data viewable.
• Educate: Werribee Secondary College have put Wattson and Holmes to work for educational purposes.

For more information go to our Product information section or follow the links below;

• More information on Wattson
• More information on Holmes

Affordable Solar power for New England residents

Ausenergy is proud to support the Solar New England Region Project, an initiative of the New England Sustainable Strategy

What will Solar New England Region Project deliver?

Phase 1 of the project aims to deliver 400 grid connected Solar systems to homeowners, seeking to utilise the current rebate structure, provided by the Federal Solar Homes and Communities Plan. The project anticipates that this initial phase will build regional networks, to facilitate ongoing renewable energy projects of increasing capacity in the region.

Benefits to phase 1 participants

• Premium Solar Power System delivered at less than half the standard price (after rebate)
• Each kilowatt installed will save residents $300 per annum (payback of 5 years)
• Bundled Wattson energy meter displays when, and where, you are using energy
• Free ongoing subscription to regional online community project pages that publish ongoing benefits
• Reduce wastage and carbon footprint
• Less reliant on grid and protection from rising power prices
• Increase value of your home

Benefits to the Region

• Taking leadership on community concern for sustainability and climate change
• Providing Work and training for local trades people
• Strengthening New England Regions leadership and capacity for sustainability
• Data access for public education and display
• Scalable concept for larger renewable energy projects, such as public facilities or schools.

Map of the New England Area

The boundaries for eligibility of inclusion in this project are the four local government members of the New England Strategic Alliance of Councils, being:

• Guyra Shire Council
• Armidale Dumaresq Council
• Walcha Shire Council and Uralla Shire Council