Social Solar Grants Application 2026
Information for Applicants for BREAZE Social Solar Grants
About BREAZE
BREAZE is a volunteer run organisation committed to working respectfully, inclusively and independently with and for the community to ensure a bright and sustainable future. Our mission is advocate, facilitate, and enable the wider Ballarat community to reach zero emissions by 2030. BREAZE is a registered charity with donations being made to the BREAZE Public Fund. The BREAZE Public Fund is making funding available for the following through an expression of interest process:
1. Eligible Organisations
Grants of up to $4,000 are available to Community Not for Profit organisations in the Ballarat Region for the purposes of investing in renewable energy infrastructure that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce utility expenses. To be eligible organisations must:
• Be an incorporated body operating on a not-for-profit basis
• Can demonstrate the organisation provides social well-being and or environmental benefits
• Own or has a long-term lease for the property in which the infrastructure is to be installed.
• Provide an annual report for the preceding year demonstrating its financial, governance and community outcomes.
2. Eligible Projects
Projects suitable for Social Solar Funding must result in a reduction in the region’s greenhouse gas emissions and will typically include:
• Replacement of gas hot water, cooking or heating systems with electric replacements
• Installation of Photo Voltaic (PV) systems including rooftop solar and ground mounted systems
• Installation of batteries connected to mains electricity supply
• Replacement of inefficient air-conditioning systems with energy efficient alternatives
• Retrofitting lighting systems with energy efficient LED technology
3. Applicant Responsibilities
A. As the applicant will need to source quotations from suitably qualified suppliers and installers, quotations will be required. Please refer to Clean Energy Council consumer website for selecting accredited solar suppliers/installers via this link Clean Energy Council Website
B. Quotations should include a statement of the estimated energy savings and where possible greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
C. The applicant should produce a project budget that includes the supply and installation costs, any modifications necessary to structures (e.g. switchboard upgrades, supply wiring, carpentry, replastering, painting) and identify the contribution the organisation is making either as cash contribution or in kind. (e.g. if a member of the organisation is providing donated carpentry, plastering, electrical wiring, plumbing disconnections, painting, insulation installation the estimated $value of these works).
D. As the project will result in improved infrastructure, the applicant (grant recipient) will be responsible for arranging access for suppliers to provide quotes, carry out works and oversee the installations and will be responsible for it’s ongoing operation, any fault rectification with the supplier and maintenance.
4. How BREAZE Can Assist
The BREAZE Public Fund Committee can provide advice to applicants on:
• Initial assessment of what might be achieved with an investment of $4,000 to $5,000 in your facility.
• Information on current subsidies, rebates and government incentives and changes to Victoria’s access to free power in the middle of the day.
• Suppliers and Installers in the Ballarat Region of PV systems, Heat Pumps, Batteries, Airconditioning and convection cooking appliances.
• How to interpret your current electricity and gas billing data to determine the financial and environmental benefits of alternative appliances and power supplies.
• BREAZE can assist in evaluation of quotations you receive in consideration of product quality, local service and repair capacity, price and performance
5. Selection Process
BREAZE Public Fund Committee will assess projects submitted as expressions of interest on the following criteria:
• social benefits;
• environmental benefits; and
• the contribution made by the applicant.
The Public Fund Committee will seek further clarification from applicants whose expressions of interest rate highest from these criteria to select 2 projects for funding.
For Further Information
Enquiries can be made to Ian Rossiter Chair BREAZE Public Fund by phone 0467 220 442 or
email Ian.Rossiter@breaze.org.au
Postal Address: BREAZE Inc. Room 102 Barkly Square, 25 Barkly St, East Ballarat, VIC 3350
Completed forms can be sent to Ian via email or mail to the above addresses