The Local Government Association of South Australia has opened applications for funding for community renewable energy projects from the Solar Councils Innovation Fund.

 

The Fund was publicly announced in May, 2010, and will provide small grants to assist Councils and related bodies to investigate and develop community, local and regional renewable energy options.

 

LGASA President, Mayor Kym McHugh said the Innovation Fund is generated from transparent contributions received from ZEN Home Energy Systems under the LGASA's solar councils pilot program.

 

"The fund for this round currently holds approximately $130,000 with a second similar round expected in August 2012 at the completion of the second year of the community pilot program," Mayor McHugh said.

 

"We are now inviting Councils, regional Local Government Associations and Local Government professional bodies to apply for funding.

 

"If community members or groups have project ideas such as small scale wind or solar farms, research or renewable energy pilot plants, they should talk to their Councils now."

 

Submissions close on 30 September and will be assessed by the Solar Councils Innovation Fund Advisory Committee which will in turn give advice to the LGASA State Executive Committee on the suitability of applications.