“(It’s) a great, green energy day for central Victorians,” project director Michael McCartney said as he flicked a switch, marking the beginning of the flow of locally generated solar power into the national energy grid.

“This solar park, and the Ballarat solar park, which will be opened next Saturday, are leading examples for all Australians of how locally generated, renewable energy projects can be successfully built and operated in their own local communities.”

State Labor MP for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan was on hand to help Mr McCartney present an award to recognise the number one solar park supporter, local resident and Bendigo city councillor Keith Reynard.

The Central Victoria Solar City project is part of the Federal Government’s $94 million solar cities program.

The Huntly park is the largest ground-mounted flat-plate, grid-connected solar installation in Australia.

Mr McCartney said the trial program would run until 2013 and would provide enough power for 150 clients in the Bendigo area.

During the opening, people were able to take a guided tour inside the park.

Those who attended the launch were also able to pick up information on energy efficiency, auditing and retrofitting their home, selecting solar hot water and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and understanding how Australia’s energy grid works. Mayor Kevin Gibbins said he hoped the park would inspire other similar projects throughout Victoria.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is committed to embracing and promoting renewable energy and we see the solar park as a landmark project for the city,” he said.

“This is both an important and exciting initiative and council is pleased to see it come to fruition.’’