After a successful Rock on for Brogo fundraiser in December, Clean Energy For Eternity (CEFE) was able to install solar panels and and a battery on the Brogo Rural Fire Service (RFS) shed.
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The music event raised over $2200 and received a further top up from the Clean Energy for Eternity Association.
Brogo's installation included 10 solar panels on the roof, providing 3.7kW of power and two batteries of 3.5kW/hrs each to provide back up of 7kW/hrs. Having the solar system means that even in a black out, radios can be charged, the office has power and lighting.
CEFE's memorandum of understanding with council acts like a circular economy.
Council pays the power bills on RFS sheds across the shire. However the memorandum of understanding between CEFE and council allows net savings from any CEFE-funded solar/battery installation on public buildings in the shire to be redirected back to each relevant public building.
CEFE secretary Prue Kelly said this arrangement was the first of its kind between local government and an autonomous, voluntary, not-for-profit organisation.
In March, CEFE presented the first refund savings cheque to the Quaama RFS. Refunds for the others will follow, Ms Kelly said.
"When council gets the power bills, it calculates the savings and it is given to us and we give it back to the RFS sheds. Quaama received a cheque for $400," Ms Kelly said.
The memorandum of understanding plus live music fundraising events, has helped put solar power systems on the Brogo, Quaama, Rocky Hall, and Kiah RFS sheds over the past 15 months.
Denise Dion
Regional daily news journalist on the Far South Coast of NSW. Contact me on 0418 213 780 or at denise.dion@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Regional daily news journalist on the Far South Coast of NSW. Contact me on 0418 213 780 or at denise.dion@austcommunitymedia.com.au
