Wagga City Council and Charles Sturt University have already put their hand up to take advantage of the program and other organisations are being encouraged to as well.

Climate Rescue of Wagga (CROW) are looking for organisations to be involved in a feasibility study they are conducting after receiving a $26,000 grant from the state government to determine local support and interest into community-owned solar power.

The study aims to find five hosts for solar systems fitting set requirements, with each host to benefit from cheaper power bills, cleaner energy and access to their power directly without having to pay for transmission costs through wires.

The solar panels and other technical equipment would be provided by a community-owned private company which would lock in long-term, low-cost power agreements with the hosts.

The community has a chance to get involved through investing in the company in return for fair financial returns.

Adam Blakester, executive director of Starfish Enterprise, a company employed by CROW to assist with the feasibility study, said if Wagga can pull the program off it will become the first Australian community-owned solar program.

"There are only two so far, but they are wind power; no one has yet claimed the title for solar," he said.

CROW secretary William Adlong urged the community to get involved, saying Wagga stands to benefit greatly from community-owned solar.

"It would be extremely beneficial for our community to invest in and own a local solar program that saves money for the hosts," he said.

"Ethical and community minded investors will get a good return on their money and energy payments will be kept in the local economy."

To find out more visit www.crow.org.au.