An independent candidate in the south east New South Wales Federal seat of Eden-Monaro has pledged his election campaign earnings to establish a community solar power system.

Andrew Thaler, from Nimmitabel, says he plans to use the Australian Electoral Commission's reimbursement of campaign spending to buy and upgrade an existing solar power farm in Cooma-Monaro Shire.

Mr Thaler will need to secure four per cent of the primary vote to receive the funding.

He says the money will kick-start the solar power project, with profits from electricity sales going to local charities.

“The idea being that the community would derive an income from that solar production and has the choice of reinvesting to keep making it bigger,” Mr Thaler aid.

“Or at a certain point in time you could spend some of that community money on other community ideas be it school kids trying to go to sporting events, medical infrastructure needed at hospitals.”

Mr Thaler went on to say that it was an investment in the future.

“I'm not here for the money,” he said.

“I'm actually here to preserve my kid's future.

“So that means for $2.48 per vote which is the payment from the Australian Electoral Commission, if I achieve more than 10,000 votes I will give $24,800 approximately into the establish of community solar.”