Solar panels set example

The South Shepparton Community Centre has made the transition to solar power

An array of solar panels grace the roof of the South Shepparton Community Centre.

The transition to solar energy has been made so the centre can slash costs and set an example to the community, according to president Brian Harwood.

Two dozen 1m x 1.6m panels were installed last week.

‘‘The South Shepparton Community Centre is all about benefiting the community,’’ Mr Harwood said.

‘‘That’s why we’re installing solar panels on the roof.

‘‘The idea of becoming more sustainable, more self-sufficient, fits with the concept we have here of doing things that benefit the community.’’

The 250-watt panels were installed by Baker Renewable Energy of Numurkah and took four workmen a day to put up.

Baker Renewable Energy owner Gary Baker said he was pleased to help out the facility.

‘‘They’re really good people, and green power is definitely the way to go in this area,’’ he said.

Installing the panels cost about $12500 and was paid through the community centre’s accumulated reserve fund.

Mr Harwood said that the centre would be keeping a log of its power usage, so people interested in switching to solar power could be taken through the costs and benefits.

‘‘If someone is considering solar panels for their home, we can show them the daily figures; what goes in and out, and what’s consumed,’’ he said.

Mr Harwood said the panels were a long-term investment that would, eventually, give the centre a 15 per cent return on its money.

The South Shepparton Community Centre is having solar panels installed, to supply the power needs of the centre. Brian Harwood, President of South Shepparton Community Centre