The Standard (economy) Package price for 1.6kw systems dropped from $4,298 down to $3,196 and the price for a 4.8kw system dropped from $13,080 down to $10,713. This means that these systems will now pay for themselves within 6 years.

 

Premium System prices now vary from $4, 657 up to $15,050, and the first 50 customers to install the Premium Package will receive a Sunnyboy monitoring system for free. With the recent price reduction, it is by far the best opportunity for the community to go solar.

 

The Premium Package utilises more efficient Sunpower cells, which means larger systems can be installed on smaller roofs.  These solar systems are able to save from $640 up to $2,000 per year on a standard electricity bill depending on the system size. 

 

“We have now seen a 50% reduction in prices over the past 12 months, due to the drop in silicon prices, and the strong Australian dollar”, said Mildura Development Corporation CEO, Anne Mansell.  

 

Local residents wishing to obtain a free, no obligation quote for the Mildura Region Solar Hubs program should contact Tim Brand, Solar Hubs Project Officer at Mildura Development Corporation on 03 5022 0722 (Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm).

 

For the Mildura region, the 180MW Mallee Solar Park proposed by TRUenergy was part of that shortlist. Situated just south of Red Cliffs, the Mallee Solar Park proposes to generate 330GWh of emissions free electricity per annum catering for over 60,000 households.

 

“This is a significant opportunity for the proponents of Mallee Solar Park and for our region. Mildura Development Corporation has worked very hard in attracting large scale solar to the area and we will continue to support TRUenergy as they go through this process.” Mr Huxley said.

 

Mrs Mansell also welcomed the ongoing funding commitment by the Victorian Government to the Mallee Solar Park project.

 

“This project was thoroughly assessed by an Independent Panel as part of the Victorian Government's $100 million Large Scale Solar Project funding. It is a significant project for regional Victoria and we will provide whatever assistance is required over the coming weeks' Mrs Mansell said.

 

“All our research demonstrates that the Mildura region is the best place in Victoria for the development of large scale solar power and we will continue to work with the proponents and Governments in supporting and facilitating these opportunities.” Mrs Mansell said.

 

“We look forward to working with NBN Co in forging the future of telecommunications in a region that has proven itself in regards to uptake of new technologies. Our region will maximize the benefits of broadband.” Mayor of Mildura Rural City Council, Cr John Arnold said.

 

Cr Margaret Thomson, Mayor of Wentworth Shire Council, said that broadband connectivity would provide new opportunities for many of the residents and business of the Wentworth Shire, enabling business growth and attraction as well as real time engagement with markets. Wentworth’s Australia Day Ambassador, Andrew Heslop, freely admitted to being an NBN champion and spoke about the difference such technology would make in the region.

 

The NBN4Mildura-Wentworth Committee has a vision that all areas of the Mildura-Wentworth region will have access to high speed broadband internet that meets capacity needs, is reliable and affordably priced.

 

One of the initial concerns of the committee is whether the satellite service, due to come on-line in 2015, will provide enough capacity to address the residential and key sector needs of the region’s rural communities.

 

“There are vast areas of both municipalities that are currently designated to receive the satellite service in 2015. Whilst this may offer a great improvement for isolated households in farming communities, concern is still being expressed in terms of latency that will impact on large businesses in these rural areas.” Mayor  Thomson said.

 

Mayor Arnold provided the example of Ouyen as a growing centre that could be considered for fibre rather than satellite.

 

“Ouyen has a population of 1,384 people and is located strategically on the Calder and Mallee Highways, being on a major Sydney-Adelaide transport route. The development of industry in the Ouyen area has grown significantly over the last decade, particularly with the introduction of mineral sand mining. Ouyen offers significant health services across the Mallee and also provides education and training venues. The need for a much improved level of broadband service in Ouyen is warranted.” Mayor Arnold said.

 

Both Council’s have enacted internal Committee’s and plans for action regarding the roll-out of NBN and will be looking forward to a positive announcement in the near future.

 

For further information on the National Broadband Network please visit www.nbnco.com.au

 

END OF MEDIA RELEASE

 

For further information or interview please contact: Jenny Grigg, NBN Spokesperson, M: 0429 922 392

 

Recent research conducted by Mildura Region Solar Hubs has found that most people have shown some level of interest in solar energy. 

 

From the quotes conducted, more than half have already accepted the quote and are now working with Mildura Solar to have the solar panels installed.

 

Thirteen installations have now been completed under the program.

 

“The public interest in solar is increasing daily as households begin to understand that solar is the best option for them, in terms of saving on energy bills and preserving the natural environment. In trying to help the community to have a better understanding of solar energy, we have been running information sessions and providing information on our websites” said Anne Mansell, CEO of Mildura Development Corporation

 

“We are looking forward to finishing off the 100th quote later this month” says Renee Carruthers, Manager of Mildura Solar. 

 

“There is still time to be included in the first 50 installations, which receive the introductory discount on the Premium package, and a free SMA Sunny Webbox monitoring system.”

With Mildura Development Corporation and Mildura Solar working together to set up information sessions and putting valuable information online, people will have more resources available to assist in their research for solar installations to their homes. 

 

Other local residents wishing to obtain a free, no obligation quote for solar should contact Tim Brand, Solar Hubs Project Officer at Mildura Development Corporation on 03 5022 0722 or email tim@milduraregion.com.au Further information about the Solar Hubs project can be found at www.milduraregionsolarhubs.com.au
 

“The installation was completed within 15 days of receiving the go ahead.” said Renee Carruthers, Manager of Mildura Solar

 

In order to get the installed system running, it needs to be connected to the power grid. This process was expecting to take up to three months; however, Powercor and Mildura Solar assisted by having this completed in just a few weeks.

 

The solar system easily passed the electrical inspection and is already reducing Mr and Mrs Knyvett’s power bill.

 

“Installing solar through Mildura Region Solar Hubs has been a flawless process. They have helped us to understand the type of system required for our home, and the installation from Mildura Solar was timely and professional”, said Rae

 

As one of the first 50 customers to accept a ’premium package’, Mr and Mrs Knyvett have received a discount of $750 off the already low prices quoted, and also a free SMA Sunny Webbox solar monitoring system.

 

Mr and Mrs Knyvett have increased the total capacity of solar installed in Mildura region to more than 1310kW

 

“By purchasing solar through Mildura Region Solar Hubs, Peter and Rae have made an excellent choice.” said Anne Mansell, CEO of Mildura Development Corporation. 

 

“The systems available through Mildura Solar are of a very high standard and will provide the energy savings and a good return rate on this investment” 

 

Other local residents wishing to obtain a free, no obligation quote for solar should contact Tim Brand, Solar Hubs Project Officer at Mildura Development Corporation on 03 5022 0722 or email tim@milduraregion.com.au

END OF MEDIA RELEASE

 

Background information about Mildura Region Solar Hubs: www.milduraregionsolarhubs.com.au 

All media enquiries to Anne Mansell - Chief Executive Officer, Mildura Development Corporation

P: 03 50220722   M: 0418 300 943   E: anne@milduraregion.com.au