Marlborough ratepayers wanting to switch to solar power can now call on Council for assistance.

As part of a new initiative launched today, ratepayers now have the option of adding the installation costs of solar panels, by an approved provider, to their rates bill.

Ratepayers would then pay back the Council for the cost of the installation through a targeted rate over nine years, alongside an administration fee and a 5.5 per cent standard interest rate, which will be reviewed annually.

Council’s Chief Financial Officer Martin Fletcher says Council has identified, through an Expression of Interest process, eight solar panel providers who will work with ratepayers and Council to deliver the scheme. All of the approved providers are members of the Sustainable Energy Association New Zealand, which brings a high level of quality and assurance to their work,” Martin says.

Once the ratepayer has obtained a satisfactory quote from one of the providers, they then apply to Council for assistance. Installation costs will depend on the type, amount and size of the panels selected.

Martin says the solar panel scheme is a natural extension to Councils suite of energy efficiency initiatives, especially with Marlborough’s high number of sunshine hours.

“The scheme also encourages the switch to solar power in an effort to improve affordability of clean, home heating and energy supply.

Once the solar panels are installed, ratepayers can opt to use the clean energy they provide, store it in batteries or supply it to the grid,” he says.

Eligibility for the scheme is not limited by income or assets and is open to Marlborough ratepayers.

For further information on Council’s energy efficiency funding services including the solar power scheme, visit: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/rates/energy-efficiency

Below is a list of Council’s approved solar power service providers:

ENDS

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