2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2 Guidelines Final Draft

Solar Towns Programme – Round 2

Guidelines

2015-16

For community organisations operating within:

The City of Playford or The City of Salisbury - SA

To be eligible for consideration, applicationsmust be received before2:00PM (AEST) on:

2 october 2015

For further information about the Programme contact:

Solar Towns Programme

Department of the Environment

Phone: 1800 075 065

Email:

Website:

The Solar Towns Programme – Round 2 Guidelines 2015-16is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and any images depicting people. For licence conditions see:

This report should be attributed as ‘The Solar Towns Programme – Round 2 Guidelines 2015-16, Commonwealth of Australia 2015’.

The Commonwealth of Australia has made all reasonable efforts to identify content supplied by third parties using the following format ‘© Copyright, [name of third party] ’.

Table of Contents

1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

2. OVERVIEW

2.1 Overview

3. OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

3.1 Objectives and Outcomes

3.2 Key Performance Indicators

3.3 Distribution of funds

4. ELIGIBILITY

4.1 Who can apply?

4.2 Who cannot apply?

4.3 What activities are eligible for funding?

4.4 What activities are ineligible for funding?

4.5 Project eligibility

4.6 Application eligibility

4.7 Renewable Energy System Installers

5. INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING

5.1 How to apply

5.2 Application form

5.3 Submitting your application

5.4 Receipt and registration

5.5 Late applications

6. SELECTION OF PROJECTS AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS

6.1 Assessment process

6.2 Eligibility check

6.3 Application assessment

6.4 Moderation Panel

6.5 Selection of projects recommended for funding

6.6 Notification

7. FUNDING AGREEMENT AND PAYMENT

7.1 Funding Agreement

7.2 Commencement date and payment of funding

7.3 GST and ABN

7.4 Insurance

7.5 Monitoring and Reporting

7.6 Work Health and Safety (WHS)

7.7 Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme

7.8 Asset ownership

7.9 Independent inspector

8. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

8.1 The Applicant

8.2 The Department

9. CONFIDENTIALTITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

10. COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES

11. CONTACTING THE DEPARTMENT

1. important information

The Australian Government’s 2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2), administered by the Department of the Environment (the Department), will provide funding to install renewable energy systems:

only on existing buildings that are utilised by community organisations operating within:
The City of Playford, SA or The City of Salisbury, SA

This document provides applicants with information on how to progress and submit their 2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2) application.

2. overview

2.1 Overview

The Solar Towns Programme (the Programme) was established as part of the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as described within the “Clean Air” component of its “Plan for a Cleaner Environment”. More information about the “Plan for a Cleaner Environment” can be found at:

The Programme will play arole in helping Australia meet its international commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing funding to support the uptake of renewable energy systems. The Programme will provide Australian communities with an opportunity to engage at a local level with clean renewable energy, improve local environments, generate a sense of community ownership and self reliance, and improve local community outcomes.

Funding of $2.1 million (GST exclusive) was allocated to the programme from 2014-15 to 2016-17 to support community organisations who wish to install a renewable energy system (solar photovoltaic panels or a solar hot water systemonly) on an existing building that provides support to the local community.

In 2014-15, up to $0.5 million (GST exclusive) was made available with up to $1.35 million (GST exclusive) available in 2015-16, and up to $0.25 million (GST exclusive) available in 2016-17, through grants of between

$2,500 (GST exclusive) and $20,000 (GST exclusive). Up to $300,000 (GST exclusive) will be made available to fund projects under the 2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2).

During the 2013 Federal Election campaign, the Australian Government made a commitment to install renewable energy systems in preselected community sites (separate to those eligible under the 2014-15 Solar Towns Programme within the Surf Coast Shire), separate to the commitment for competitive rounds in preselected regions.

3. objectives and outcomes

3.1 Objectives and Outcomes

The Strategic Objective of the Programme is to engage communities in renewable energy projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Strategic Outcomes of the Programme are that communities are supporting renewable energy, and that there are reduced emissions and greenhouse gases.

3.2 Key Performance Indicators

The success of the Programme will be measured by:

the number of systems installed; and
tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) potentially saved in a year.

3.3 Distribution of funds

The Department acknowledges the community value of organisations choosing to participate in renewable energy initiatives. The Department recognises the needs of each respective community organisation may be different and will endeavour to ensure there is a fair and equitable distribution of funding across a variety of community organisations and renewable energy systems that will meet their needs and optimise opportunities to reduce greenhouse emissions.

The programme aims to provide a fair and equitable distribution of funds across various community organisations, building owners and buildings. The Department reserves the right to ensure programme funds reach a diverse range of recipients.

4. ELIGIBILITY

4.1 Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply for a renewable energy system through the 2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2) you must be a community organisation,operating within the City of Playford, SA or the City of Salisbury, SA.

A community organisation for the purposes of this programme, is a group of people who meet regularly for a common interest, such as:

Mens Sheds;
Local Scout Groups & Girl Guides;
Community Arts Groups;
Local sporting clubs.

To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:

utilise an existing building for community purposes which is located within the City of Playford, SA or the City of Salisbury, SA, and
have either:
voting and/or financial membership of at least five (5) individuals; or
in the case of a trust, demonstrated community support including information about the level of volunteer involvement (at least five (5) volunteers); and
been in existence for at least 12 months before the application closing date of 2 October 2015.

Where your organisation is not the owner of the building at which the system will be installed, you must provide evidence from the building owner, through submittingthe Building Owners Consent Form at , which confirms that:

the building owner is a legal entity and is willing and able to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Australian Government to install the system;
the building owner consents to you submitting an application to install a renewable energy system on their building;
the building owner acknowledges they are responsible for obtaining advice on the suitability of the system for their premises;
the building owner agrees to manage the installation of the system; and
the building owner acknowledges they will take on all rights and responsibilities for the ownership and ongoing maintenance, including costs and insurance obligations, of the assets installed.

Note: Please have the Building Owner complete the Building Owners Consent Form at

If your community organisation is the owner of the building at which the system will be installed,the community organisationmust be a legal entity that can enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department, such as:

an Australian company under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);
an incorporated association under State or Territory law;
a body corporate;
a trustee of a trust;
a partnership where each of the partners are legal entities.

If you are a partnership, the person signing the Application must have the authority to sign for and bind the partners of the partnership jointly and severally.

4.2 Who cannot apply?

You cannot submit an application for a grant through the2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2) if:

you are not a community organisation (as defined in Section 4.1); and
the building which your community organisation utilises is notlocated within the City of Playford, SA or the City of Salisbury, SA.

Building owners who may be leasing or allowing for the use of their building by community organisations cannot apply for a grant but may encourage and help community organisations submit an application.

Further, you arenoteligibletoapplyif you:

are an individual;
are a school and/or a related entity such as a P&C association;
are a Local Government department, agency or authority, including groups that are considered ‘Special Committees’ of local government Groups that are controlled by local government;
are a State or Territory government department, agency or authority;
are an Australian Government department, agency or authority;
are a political party, organisation or are of a political nature.

To be eligible, applicants will be required to declare, in the application, that they do not have an overdue progress report, final report and/or acquittal for a previous Australian Government grant, including through the following programmes at the time of submission:

National Historic Sites;
Commemorating Eminent Australians;
Your Community Heritage (and its related sub-programmes);
Community Environment Grants;
Grants to Voluntary Environment, Sustainability and Heritage Organisations;
any ad hoc Australian Government heritage related grant.

Funding is not available for:

Private residences;
Buildings owned by the Federal Government.

4.3 What activities are eligible for funding?

Funding will only be provided for the purchase and installation of one of the following systems:

solar photovoltaic panels; or
a solar hot water system.

The Commonwealth does not warrant or represent the suitability of any system. It is the responsibility of the building owner to seek appropriate advice on which system is appropriate for their premises.

Note:All systems, components, and installation standards must meet current Australian Standards. Refer to the Standards Australia website ( for further information.

For solar hot watersystems, the systems and their components must be accredited with AS/NZS 2712 and listed on the Register of solar water heaters (available for download from the Clean Energy Regulator website at: to be eligible under this Programme.

Note: Funding will be paid only for work outlined in the Funding Agreement. Additional funds will not be made available to meet costs that may have increased after the application has been submitted.

4.4 What activities are ineligible for funding?

Funding will not be approved for:

activities that do not link with the stated objectives and outcomes of the Programme;
activities that are not listedin Section 4.3;
projects that are currently receiving, or have previously received, funding through other Australian Government funding initiatives or programmes for the installation of one or more of the systems listed in Section 4.3 above on the same building which is the subject of this application;
any activities that have already incurred expenditure (i.e. retrospective funding).

4.5 Project eligibility

To be eligible, a Project must:

contribute towards the stated objectives and outcomes of the Programme;
only consist of eligible activities as described in Section 4.3; and
be able to be completed within 12 months from the execution of the Funding Agreement.

Note: All Funding Agreements are to be executed in the 2015-16 Financial Year.

To be eligible for funding the building which your community organisation utilises must be located within the City of Playford, SA or the City of Salisbury, SA.

4.6Application eligibility

To be eligible, an Applicationmust be:

submitted on the 2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2) Adobe SmartForm or a hard copy form provided by the Department;
submitted by an eligible community organisation;
only seeking funding of between $2,500 (GST exclusive) and $20,000 (GST exclusive);
supported by a completed Building Owners Consent Form where the applicant is not the building owner;
supported with your preferred quote (submit only one quote with your application) from a qualified installer accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) (see Section 4.7);
supported with a copy of the ‘Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer’ certification (solar photovoltaic systems only);
supported with a completed Installers Declaration.

NOTE: Only one (1) application is allowed per community organisation (applicant). If multiple applications are received from the same organisation, the Department will accept and assess the first submitted application only. Similarly, only one (1) application is allowed per building.

4.7 Renewable Energy System Installers

Any renewable energy system installation must be carried out by an appropriate qualified installer. If you are seeking to install solarphotovoltaic panels the installer must be appropriately qualified and accredited by the CEC.

In order to submit a competitive application, the Department recommends that you seek at least two quotes from installers who:

are licensed and / or registered as required by the jurisdiction in which the installation is taking place to perform that installation;
hold appropriate and current licenses and / or be registered to perform the relevant electrical and/or plumbing work on the specific installation as required by the jurisdiction in which the installation is taking place; and
holdpublic liability insurance to the value of $5 million.

In addition to the points listed above, quotes for the design and installation of solarphotovoltaic panels must be from installers who:

are accredited by the CEC to design the type of installation being put in place (see for information on the different accreditation types); and
will comply with the CEC Code of Conduct for installations (

5. INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS FOR APPLYING

5.1 How to apply

You may submit an application for one renewable energy system to the value of between $2,500 (GST exclusive) and $20,000 (GST exclusive). You should source at least two quotes fromappropriately qualified installerswho hold the appropriate and current licences and / or registration to undertake the work (see section 4.7) and submit your preferred quote together with your application.

Applicants should ensure that the quote provided is valid for at least 3 months as the Funding Agreement between the Department and successful applicants will be based on the quote in the application. The quote must be the total cost of the installation.

Applications for the installation of solar photovoltaic panels must include as an attachment a copy of the ‘Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer’ certification. The Programme is a competitive grants programme and as such all applicationswillbeassessedonly oninformationprovidedintheapplicationform,including the preferred quote and, where applicable, written confirmation from the building owner.

It isimportantthat you read these Guidelines carefully before preparing your application, and ensure that yourapplication addresses each of the specific eligibilitycriteria, and includesalltherelevantinformationas outlinedinthese Guidelines. The Department is under no obligation to contact applicants for missing information or to clarify unclear details.

There are a number of questions in the Application Form which are marked as ‘mandatory fields’. Your application may not be assessed if you failto answer these questions.

5.2 Application form

The Department has developed an Adobe SmartFormfor applications to be submitted online. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the online Adobe SmartForm application, as it will reduce the chances of submitting an ineligible application. The Adobe Smartform prompts the applicant and will assist in identifying most eligibility issues.

Hard copy application forms can be provided if required, however the Department recommends submitting applications using the Adobe SmartForm.

Applicationsare strongly encouraged to be submitted using the 2015-16 Solar Towns Programme (Round 2)Adobe SmartFormavailable from:

If you are unable to access the Application Form from the website, please contact the Department (see Section 11).

Once you start to complete your online application, you will be provided with a unique reference number. You can save your application and re-access it as many times as you like. You do not need to download a new application each time you make a change.

The Application Form requires the following:

Details about you as the community organisation applying for support through the Solar Towns Programme. It also requires information about the building/site owner (if this is not your organisation), or organisation acting on behalf of the building/site owner (including a declaration to confirm you have permission from the building owner). The details will be used to confirm your eligibility and to populate the Funding Agreement.
Specific information about the type of system to be installed including the costs and justification for proceeding with your preferred quote. You are also required to provide the specific address of the existing building on which the system will be installed, and the anticipated timeframes for the installation of the system.
Details from the preferred quote along with the Installers Declaration. The Installers Declaration is to be completed by the applicant and must be signed by the installer (see section 4.7). The Installers Declaration is to be submitted as an attachment to the Application Form. If solar photovoltaic panels are being installed please ensure that the quote includes connection to your local power grid.

The application must include the following attachments:

A copy of the preferred quote;
Completed Building Owners Consent form the applicant is not the Building Owner);
Completed Installers Declaration
A copy of the ‘Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer’ certification (for applications for photovoltaic systems only).

5.3 Submitting your application

The completed Application Form and all required attachments must, subject to Section 5.4, be received by the Department before2:00PM (AEST) 2 October 2015.

The Department recommends submitting applications using the Adobe SmartForm,however hard copy application forms can be provided if required.

If you have made prior arrangements with the Department to submit a hardcopy of your Application, or if you are submitting your application via email, please use the following details: