Mr Douglas and residents in eight of the organisation’s social housing units are hopeful a fundraising initiative will reduce the cost of electricity and benefit the environment.

The units form part of a Bendigo Sustainability Group campaign to install solar energy systems on rooftops throughout the community.

Fundraising for both Community Housing Victoria and the Eaglehawk Badminton and Table Tennis Stadium to receive solar panels closes on July 31.

The Eaglehawk Badminton and Table Tennis Stadium campaign had almost reached its goal of raising $30,000 for 100 solar panels when this article was published.

The Community Housing Victoria appeal had raised more than half the money needed, but was more than 40 panels short of its goal.

Bendigo Sustainability Group spokesperson Chris Corr said a smaller solar energy system might have to be installed at the site if the project did not reach its target.

If all 100 panels were funded, the organisation estimated each resident would save about $300 on energy a year.

Bendigo Sustainability Group said the project would strengthen residents’ financial positions and help with their financial independence and quality of living.

Mr Douglas said that had been the case for residents in four other Community Housing Victoria properties where the sustainability group had previously installed solar energy systems.

The project would also benefit both Community Housing Victoria and the Bendigo Sustainability Group, which would establish, monitor and manage the solar energy system for 10 years.

Mr Corr said the $1760 the sustainability group expected to benefit from the system in the first year would help run further projects.

He encouraged people interested in supporting Community Solar Rooftop Projects to either call the Bendigo Sustainability Group on 5443 5244 or to visit www.bsg.org.au/community-solar-rooftop-projects-summary/.