As the Mail-Times previously reported, eight community groups in Horsham Rural City and four in West Wimmera had been selected under the $9.2 million program to receive funding to install solar panels.

Thus far, five have had solar panels installed, including Kalkee Recreation Reserve, Wail Nursery, Wonwondah Recreation Reserve, Dooen Recreation Reserve and Dooen Public Hall in Horsham Rural City.

Wail Nursery's Nelly Verftoep said the installation, which took place two weeks ago, was very successful.

"There were no hiccups, the team that installed it were very quick; they were fantastic," she said.

"The inverter is buzzing along nicely as we speak, churning out power."

READ MORE:

At present, Dock Lake Reserve, Horsham Show Grounds and Recreation Reserve and Riverside Recreation Reserve are awaiting installation.

In West Wimmera, the Dorodong Public Hall Reserve, Lake Charlegrark Recreation Reserve, Lawloit Public Hall Reserve Committee and Telopea Downs Progress Association are also set to have solar power installed.

Victorian Member for Western Victoria, Jaala Pulford, said solar panels are already popping up across the rural city with five installs completed by local certified solar installers.

"It is a terrific outcome for communities, the environment and our hardworking volunteer committees who are the backbone of our small communities across Horsham Rural City," she said.

"It is wonderful to see so many local volunteer committees of management benefiting from a program that helps them reduce costs and helps us tackle climate change."

MORE NEWS:

The program is being rolled out across the state over the next two years, with more than 300 public buildings in Victoria being assessed for suitability for a solar installation.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio said the program would give VIctoria a big boost.

"This is a great example of how we're delivering real action on climate change in regional Victoria by investing in local projects that will help communities build thriving and sustainable futures," she said.

"Our strong investment in renewable energy and solar panels is creating local jobs, reducing power bills and helping us achieve our ambitious emissions reduction targets."

More than 200 energy audits the first step in the design of a solar system have been carried out on selected sites around the state, including eight in Horsham Rural City.

An energy monitoring module will be integrated into the design to monitor solar system performance in real time and battery installations will be considered for some sites.

The program was first trialed in Gippsland from 2017 to 2019 and led to solar systems being installed on 69 public buildings on public land.

The Solar on Public Buildings Program covers the cost of site assessments and the supply and installation of solar power PV systems on public buildings managed by volunteers on DELWP managed Land.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: