Moyne kindergartens powered by the sun

Published on 17 November 2023

There were smiles all round at two of Council’s early learning centres, as the final touches were made on the installation of solar power and battery systems.

Hawkesdale and District Family Services Centre, and Merri Kindergarten in Purnim West are each now equipped with a solar array and battery system.

Merri Kindergarten has a 15kW solar system, with 9.8kW battery, with Hawkesdale installing a 10kW PV array with a 9.8kW battery. The new systems are expected to reduce energy bills by at least 85%, whilst substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mayor, Cr Ian Smith said the solar and battery systems will provide enough power to continue operating the centres 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 systems reduce electricity bills, we’ll use less power from the grid, and they’re a practical and economical way to reduce our environmental footprint.”

These new installations take the number of Moyne Shire early learning centres with solar power to four, with Port Fairy and Koroit also having solar power.