Solar panel program saves money and emissions

A program to install solar panels on kindergartens and community facilities in the City of Whittlesea is expected to save up to 460 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

Panels have been installed on 19 kindergartens and 12 community facilities in a joint Council and State Government funded project.

Mayor Kris Pavlidis said the project would save the community money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s important that we take all the steps we can to reduce our impact on the environment and lead the way for our community,” she said.

“We’re expecting a saving of $72,000 in electricity costs in the first year alone.

“But even more importantly the panels will save 460 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.”

The $400,000 program was jointly funded by Council and the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Since the fund’s inception in 2015, the fund has provided $19.1 million for 16 projects across the City of Whittlesea.