But the trend is sure to be music to the ears of environmentalists.

Mulwala is the latest location to start planning a solar farm and if approved, this will be by far the biggest in the region with 400,000 solar panels.

We’ve had hospitals and community buildings turn to solar energy, a 20 megawatt solar farm planned for North Wangaratta, and an Australian-first residential solar trial launched in Yackandandah.

Even variable speed signs to be installed at Barnawartha this week will be powered by a solar panel.

The Mulwala solar farm worth $130 million and generating 140 megawatts of energy would be a whole other level.

It may not break any records – a proposed 600-hectare plant near Gunning is aiming to be NSW’s biggest when it is built in 2019 – but it will put the Border right up there with those looking at major renewable energy projects.

And that trend is likely to continue in years to come as more businesses and homes look to save money on their ever-rising electricity costs.

The Mulwala venture is predicted to create up to 130 construction jobs in a nine-month building phase.

Let’s hope it is workers from the Border who are given the chance to take up those jobs.

One of the positives of the solar project between AusNet Services and Totally Renewable Yackandandah was the training of technicians from this region to instal the devices at homes.

ESCO Pacific may be a Melbourne-based company looking to invest in Mulwala, but it should also look to invest in the Border’s workforce.

Objectors from North Wangaratta Family Motel failed to have the solar farm near them blocked by VCAT, showing that fears over tourism and fire danger are not going to be enough to stop the solar energy movement.

The benefits and reliability of solar differ depending on who you talk to, but no matter what size role its ends up playing, renewable energy is here to stay.

We would be smart to use the opportunity for development to our advantage while we can.