Community
27 November, 2023
Solar power for kinders
THERE were smiles all round at one of Moyne Shire council’s early learning centres, as the final touches were made on the installation of solar power and battery systems.
Merri Kindergarten in Purnim West is now equipped with a 15kW solar system, with a 9.8kW battery.
The new system is expected to reduce energy bills by at least 85 per cent while substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Moyne Shire mayor Ian Smith said the solar and battery systems would provide enough power to continue operating the centre for several hours in the event of a blackout, eliminating the need to arrange for parents/carers to collect their children during power outages.
“This is a great outcome for the community, and for council, and is part of council’s commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions,” said Cr Smith.
“The system reduces electricity bills, we’ll use less power from the grid, and it’s a practical and economical way to reduce our environmental footprint.”
This new installation takes the number of Moyne Shire early learning centres with solar power to four, with Port Fairy, Hawkesdale and Koroit also having solar power.
