Guyra Men’s Shed has welcomed the go ahead to install a rooftop solar system on their new shed following a successful application for a $17,765 State Government grant.
The more than 20 member men’s shed group had made several attempts in the past to secure solar panel funding to overcome the rising electricity prices that has proved to be the single biggest threat to the viability and future of the group.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said he was delighted that the NSW Community Building Partnership program had come through for them.
“Every project they work on uses large machines which consume a lot of power," Mr Marshall said.
“With a large rooftop solar system, the Shed’s total daily electricity consumption should be met by the panels and if reasonable feed in tariffs continue, the total electricity account should be offset too.”
With more than 20 local and active members and their projects benefiting a much wider section of the community, the Men’s Shed plays a vital role in the mental health and general wellbeing of the Guyra community.
"They’re always looking for more members too,” Mr Marshall said.
“The shed has recently been expanded and soon they will also occupy the old SES building for a women’s program, thanks to a previous grant of $234,500.”
Guyra Men’s Shed President John Jackson said his members were very pleased they’d secured the funding for the panels.
“We’ve been concerned for some time – the power bill continues to rise year by year and it’s a relief that we now won’t have to scale back on projects and can continue to meet community requests for assistance,” Mr Jackson said.
“We have engaged a local contractor and he will be ready to start on the installation of the panels very soon.”
The Guyra Men's Shed welcomes the new solar panel installation opportunity.