In tough and often volatile economic times it’s difficult for councils and community groups to justify investing taxpayer dollars on solar power. One company that is looking to eradicate this barrier is Ingenero, which has introduced the Solar Power Purchasing Agreement, or PPA, into the Australian marketplace.
The PPA allows customers to have access to solar power via solar power generation facilities installed at their own premises without the upfront cost of the system or the installation.
One council that has already signed up is Barcoo Shire Council. Located in outback Queensland, Council has four solar systems installed, totalling an impressive 72 kW.
CEO, Michael Parker, believes this opportunity positions Council as a sustainability leader.
“Barcoo Shire Council is pleased to be taking the lead in the use of solar power in Jundah and Windorah,” he said.
Barcoo Shire Council has been able to justify its decision economically even though the Queensland Government’s Net Feed in Tariff regime is only 44 cents per kWh.
Other states have a more attractive Feed in Tariff helping the economic equation.
This not only allows Barcoo Council to demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability but also creates additional funds to redirect into other sustainability projects.
Providing more than affordability, PPAs also offer security. Customers can insulate themselves from the impact of rising energy costs by locking into a long term agreement.
They can determine how much they will pay or be payed for energy, and with other economic pressures such as interest rate rises and inflation this can really provide security in unstable economical environments.
*Copy supplied by Ingenero Pty Ltd
