Joint funding from the Trentham Golf Club and an $8,8000 Hepburn Shire grant saw Hepburn Shire Mayor Sebastian Klein formally open the solar panel system on the clubhouse roof last Saturday.

Trentham Golf Club committee member Colin Wilson said the new system of 48 rooftop solar panels was expected to produce 17,000 kWh and save around $2,000 on power bills each year.

“The viability of volunteer-based community clubs like Trentham is an ongoing issue, and reducing increased power costs is an important initiative,” he said.

“Over its lifespan, it is expected the system will save over $50,000 just at today's power prices.”

Mr Wilson said the recent installation of a bore for water has raised power costs and it was becoming more difficult to make ends meet.

“The club recently installed a new bore for water security, and the solar system will help offset pumping costs,” he said.

“We are pleased we have the system running, that we are saving money and saving the planet.”

Hepburn Shire Mayor Sebastian Klein said the solar panel project at Trentham Golf Club will save the club money while helping reach environmental goals.

“This is a great example of a project that both saves a community group money but also helps to achieve the council’s aim of assisting the community to become carbon neutral,” he said.

“There has been a range of projects under the Towards Zero Emissions Community Grants program, numbering in the dozens now, including a replacement of the heating and cooling system at the Hepburn Golf Club.

“The program provides ongoing funding and we encourage community groups to apply.”