March 29, 2021
Now’s the time
Customer Story, Swan HillI found out about the Mallee Sun Solar Bulk-Buy when I saw a banner in the street near the Swan Hill Information Centre and then I read about it in […]...
Customer Stories
December 14, 2020
Dunolly Bowling Club Goes Solar with MASH
Central Goldfields, Customer StoryWord of mouth is one of the most powerful ways that a solar bulk-buy like MASH has of becoming better known. It’s something that we strive hard to achieve as […]...
December 9, 2020
“Nice to be part of a growing community movement”
Customer Story, Macedon RangesMacedon Ranges residents, Anthony Bonello and Lynsey Ward who live in Tylden have just had a solar power system installed through the MASH community solar bulk-buy. This is what they […]...
December 1, 2020
Woodend Neighbourhood House Solar Win
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsA massive 31 panel solar power system has been installed this week on the Woodend Neighbourhood House thanks to funding from the MASH community solar bulk-buy and Macedon Ranges Sustainability […]...
November 25, 2020
“Seamless and hassle-free”
Customer Story, Macedon Ranges“Seamless and hassle-free” was the verdict from James Allebone of Woodend when asked about his experience getting a new solar power system installed through the MASH community solar bulk-buy. “Dealing […]...
November 20, 2020
19th century schoolhouse powered by Tesla Powerwall
Customer Story, Macedon RangesJohn and Airlie Loughran in Rochford, Macedon Ranges Shire, run a bed and breakfast business in the beautiful, elegant Rochford Schoolhouse (built 1857) on their property. All of their devices […]...
November 9, 2020
Helping keep Daylesford beautiful
Customer Story, HepburnNewly arrived in Daylesford, Elizabeth and Gerry Bennett had solar right at the top of their ‘must do’ list for their new home – and a big reason for that […]...
November 6, 2020
Motivated by environmental responsibility
Customer Story, Macedon RangesMacedon couple, Margarita and Geoffrey Caddick, kindly allowed the MASH team to visit them at their Macedon home in November and find out why they decided to go solar – […]...
November 6, 2020
Solar an ‘early priority’ for newcomers to Campbells Creek
Customer Story, Mount AlexanderCampbells Creek couple, Sam and Mark Davis, are newly arrived in town and getting solar installed was one of their early priorities. Here’s their story… “We like MASH solar bulk-buy […]...
October 26, 2020
“We have never had a project run so efficiently”
Customer Story, Macedon Ranges“Thanks to MASH we were aware of the solar bulk buy scheme in the Macedon Ranges and the benefits resulting from it. Not only to our own household but the […]...
October 26, 2020
Tesla Powerwall “a hit” with Ashbourne couple
Customer Story, Macedon RangesAshbourne residents in the Macedon Ranges, Ian Temby and Elaine Thomson, have just taken delivery of a brand new 6.6kW solar power system and Tesla Powerwall 2 battery ordered through […]...
October 22, 2020
Rental Property Hits Solar Sweet Spot
Customer Story, Mount AlexanderWhilst owner-occupiers are installing solar panels on their homes like it’s going out of fashion, many renters are still missing out. Luckily, enlightened landlords like Hans and Anne van Gemert of Castlemaine realise that ‘going...
July 23, 2020
Bushfire Safety Boost for Malmsbury
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsThe 900-strong rural community of Malmsbury can feel safer from the impact of bushfires and other emergencies thanks to a new solar and battery system that provides full protection from […]...
October 31, 2019
Hepburn SES Scores Solar Gift
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, MASH-wide newsHepburn Shire SES has a new 6.3kW solar power system thanks to a $6,700 grant from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, the sister bulk-buy to the MASH community solar bulk-buy. […]...
October 24, 2019
Power outage protection vital for Medical Clinic
Customer Story, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderCastlemaine’s largest General Practice, The Lyttleton Street Medical Clinic, took the decision around two years ago to install a solar power system combined with battery storage through the MASH community […]...
September 5, 2019
Solar Gift Helps Neediest Youth
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsOver 70 students from the most disadvantaged schools in Victoria will get free places at Doxa’s Malmsbury Camp thanks to a solar gift from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, the […]...
September 2, 2019
Trentham Primary Thrilled to receive a 10.5kW solar system
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, MASH-wide newsTrentham and District Primary School students and teachers were thrilled to see a new 10.5kW solar system installed at the school recently. The system was gifted to the school as […]...
May 23, 2019
MASH helps Harcourt Valley Primary Go Solar
Community Bonus, Customer Story, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderA 10.5kW solar power system has just been installed on Harcourt Valley Primary School thanks to a $9,200 donation from the More Australian Solar Homes (MASH) community solar bulk-buy. This […]...
May 13, 2019
Social Foundry receives $20k solar grant from Powershop
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsKyneton-based social enterprise, the Social Foundry, has installed a 20kW solar system thanks to a $20,000 grant from energy retailer, Powershop, and support from the More Australian Solar Homes (MASH) […]...
April 8, 2019
MASH customers’ positive feedback
Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, Mount AlexanderHouseholders getting rooftop solar installed through the MASH & Hepburn Community Solar Bulk-Buys in March and April 2019 had some positive feedback on the quality of their installations: The solar […]...
Recipients of the MASH Community Bonus
March 26, 2021
Swan Hill SES, going solar
Community Bonus, MASH-wide news, Swan HillSwan Hill residents can feel even safer in the knowledge that their local SES Unit has complete protection from power outages thanks to the recent installation of a community-funded solar […]...
March 23, 2021
Solar win for Swan Hill Theatre Group
Community Bonus, Swan HillSwan Hill Theatre Group’s electricity bill is going to be halved thanks to the installation of a free 6.6kW solar power system funded through the Mallee Sun Solar Bulk-Buy community […]...
December 1, 2020
Woodend Neighbourhood House Solar Win
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsA massive 31 panel solar power system has been installed this week on the Woodend Neighbourhood House thanks to funding from the MASH community solar bulk-buy and Macedon Ranges Sustainability […]...
July 23, 2020
Bushfire Safety Boost for Malmsbury
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsThe 900-strong rural community of Malmsbury can feel safer from the impact of bushfires and other emergencies thanks to a new solar and battery system that provides full protection from […]...
July 4, 2020
Free Sun Power at Vivid Swan Hill
Community Bonus, MASH-wide news, Swan HillDisability service provider Vivid, is now powered by a free solar system at its Swan Hill site thanks to a partnership between Swan Hill Rural City Council and the Mallee […]...
July 4, 2020
Bushfire Resilience Boost for Hepburn
Community Bonus, Hepburn, MASH-wide newsThe Hepburn Recreation Reserve – which is both a community sports facility and dedicated place of last resort in the event of a bushfire – now has full protection from […]...
October 31, 2019
Hepburn SES Scores Solar Gift
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, MASH-wide newsHepburn Shire SES has a new 6.3kW solar power system thanks to a $6,700 grant from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, the sister bulk-buy to the MASH community solar bulk-buy. […]...
September 5, 2019
Solar Gift Helps Neediest Youth
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsOver 70 students from the most disadvantaged schools in Victoria will get free places at Doxa’s Malmsbury Camp thanks to a solar gift from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, the […]...
September 2, 2019
Trentham Primary Thrilled to receive a 10.5kW solar system
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, MASH-wide newsTrentham and District Primary School students and teachers were thrilled to see a new 10.5kW solar system installed at the school recently. The system was gifted to the school as […]...
May 23, 2019
MASH helps Harcourt Valley Primary Go Solar
Community Bonus, Customer Story, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderA 10.5kW solar power system has just been installed on Harcourt Valley Primary School thanks to a $9,200 donation from the More Australian Solar Homes (MASH) community solar bulk-buy. This […]...
May 13, 2019
Social Foundry receives $20k solar grant from Powershop
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsKyneton-based social enterprise, the Social Foundry, has installed a 20kW solar system thanks to a $20,000 grant from energy retailer, Powershop, and support from the More Australian Solar Homes (MASH) […]...
August 15, 2018
Windarring Gets MASH Solar Bonus
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderWindarring’s Day Service in Castlemaine – which provides support and opportunities for people with disabilities – is the latest community group to benefit from free solar from the MASH community […]...
October 23, 2017
Lions solar luck
Community Bonus, Customer Story, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderThe Castlemaine Lions Club has just got lucky with a new 5.4kW solar system that cost them only $1,260. The rest of the system was paid for with a $1,400 […]...
September 5, 2017
Castlemaine North Primary School Rallies Around Solar
Community Bonus, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderStudents and staff at Castlemaine North Primary School turned out in force to celebrate the recent installation of a free 5.4kW solar system on their school. This system is funded […]...
May 8, 2017
$10,000 solar grant for Castlemaine Childcare Centre
Community Bonus, Customer Story, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderThousands of green electricity customers around Australia have chosen to support community energy projects by contributing a bit extra when paying their bills – and Castlemaine Childcare Centre, also known […]...
July 24, 2016
Newham Primary goes solar
Community Bonus, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsNewham Primary School, near Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges Shire, is set to receive a free 5kW solar system thanks to a campaign for More Australian Solar Homes (MASH). […]...
March 10, 2016
MASH2 Delivers on its Community Promise
Community Bonus, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderTenants in Castlemaine’s social and transitional housing are the beneficiaries of two free solar PV systems paid for by the MASH2 community solar bulk-buy. Valued at $7,500, the 2Kw solar […]...
May 21, 2015
Newstead gets free MASH solar system
Community Bonus, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderThe Mount Alexander Solar Homes (MASH) project is pleased to announce that the recipient of the free community solar system from MASH round 1 is Newstead Community Centre, located in […]...
Latest News
March 26, 2021
Swan Hill SES, going solar
Community Bonus, MASH-wide news, Swan HillSwan Hill residents can feel even safer in the knowledge that their local SES Unit has complete protection from power outages thanks to the recent installation of a community-funded solar […]...
March 23, 2021
Big grants for farmers to go solar
MASH-wide newsVictorian farmers have a great opportunity to apply for substantial grant funding to improve the energy efficiency of their on-farming activities through Agriculture Victoria. The Agriculture Investment Plan has $30 […]...
March 18, 2021
Powercor is improving the grid
MASH-wide newsPowercor, the network distributor for much of central Victoria, is rolling out a Solar Hotspots Program across western Victoria over the next four months to help an estimated 50,000 customers […]...
March 18, 2021
Small business solar rebates from May 2021
MASH-wide newsEligible businesses will be able to apply for a small business rebate of up to $3,500 through the Solar Victoria portal from May 2021. Rebates will cover up to 50 […]...
March 18, 2021
Minimum solar feed-in tariff set to drop from July 1
MASH-wide newsThe Essential Services Commission (ESC) has announced that the 2021–22 minimum feed-in tariff will reduce to 6.7 cents per kilowatt hour from 1 July 2021. Currently, the single minimum feed-in […]...
February 22, 2021
Beaufort MASH Solar Information Meeting Rescheduled for 3rd March
MASH-wide news, PyreneesResidents of the Pyrenees Shire and nearby are invited to attend the rescheduled MASH Solar & Battery Information Meeting on Wednesday 3rd of March in Beaufort. This meeting was due […]...
February 15, 2021
Lockdown impact on MASH Solar Information Meetings
Central Goldfields, MASH-wide news, PyreneesAs a result of the Victorian Government’s 5-day lockdown starting Friday 12 February, the solar bulk-buy meetings we had scheduled for 16 and 17 February in Maryborough and Beaufort have […]...
January 24, 2021
Goldfields FM 99.1 interview with Jo Kaptein about upcoming Solar and Battery Information Meeting in Maryborough
Central Goldfields, MASH-wide newsWe chat to Jo from the MASH project about the upcoming Solar and Battery Information Meeting to be held in the Community Hub on Tuesday 16th February @ 6.00pm....
December 24, 2020
Media Release – MASH Solar bulk-buy launched in Loddon
Loddon, MASH-wide newsAs part of Loddon Shire Council’s ongoing partnership with the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, the MASH (More Australian Solar Homes) solar bulk-buy program was launched in Wedderburn on Tuesday 12 December....
December 14, 2020
226 solar & battery systems ordered since April 2020
MASH-wide newsThe MASH and Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buys continue to perform strongly, with battery orders as well as solar surging ahead. 226 solar and battery storage systems have been ordered since April […]...
December 1, 2020
Good ‘rebate news’ from Solar Victoria
MASH-wide newsThere’s good news on the state government’s rebates for solar panels and batteries – the current value of the rebates available via the Solar Homes program, which is administered by […]...
December 1, 2020
Woodend Neighbourhood House Solar Win
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsA massive 31 panel solar power system has been installed this week on the Woodend Neighbourhood House thanks to funding from the MASH community solar bulk-buy and Macedon Ranges Sustainability […]...
November 25, 2020
State Government budget commitments for renewable energy
MASH-wide newsAn announcement from the Andrews Labour Government on 24 November, laid out significant spending commitments to support the uptake of renewable energy. These include: More solar panels rebates (an extra […]...
November 19, 2020
Battery Rebates now available in ALL Vic postcodes
MASH-wide newsThe stopper on the uptake of battery storage has just been removed in a ground-breaking announcement from the Victorian Government. From 18 November, households in all Victorian postcodes can apply […]...
October 30, 2020
Suntech panels Australian story
MASH-wide newsThere’s a really interesting Australian angle to the Suntech solar panels offered through the MASH project. Suntech Power is a (massive) Chinese solar panel manufacturer – started by Australian-educated Chinese […]...
October 29, 2020
MASH Ready to Give Again
Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderThe MASH Community Solar Bulk-Buy has raised $10,000 which is now ready to distribute in the form of free solar to not-for-profit community groups, social housing co-operatives, and schools in […]...
October 22, 2020
Bulk-buy is Ready to Give
MASH-wide news, Swan HillMallee Sun Solar Bulk Buy has raised $13,800 which it is now ready to distribute in the form of free solar to one or two not-for-profit community group, social housing co-operative, or kindergarten in the Swan Hill municipality....
September 17, 2020
MASH Orders Strong
MASH-wide newsSolar orders through the MASH and Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buys are strong, mirroring the situation in the rest of Victoria and across Australia. In the four months to end of August, […]...
September 16, 2020
How Much Rooftop Solar is Possible?
MASH-wide newsThe uptake of residential rooftop solar continues to break records. In July, Australia recorded a “best ever” month of solar installations defying the disruption caused by COVID-19 and surging past […]...
August 31, 2020
Rental solar boost
MASH-wide newsThe financial incentives for landlords to get solar panels on their rental properties have recently been enhanced, making solar an attractive proposition for both landlords and tenants. Up to $3,700 […]...
August 26, 2020
Frustrations with the solar battery rebate
MASH-wide newsObtaining a $4174 rebate for a home battery storage system via the state government’s Solar Homes program sounds like a terrific incentive to become more energy independent. However the MASH […]...
August 21, 2020
Community bulk-buys go from strength to strength
MASH-wide newsOver half a megawatt of solar and 26 Powerwall batteries have been sold through the MASH and Hepburn Community Solar Bulk-Buys in the last three months. This equates to 136 […]...
August 10, 2020
Good News for Solar for Rental Properties
MASH-wide newsThere’s good news for landlords and renters looking for more financial help to get solar panels installed on their rental properties. Announced on Monday 27 July, landlords can now apply […]...
August 7, 2020
COVID-Safe Solar
MASH-wide newsCOVID-19 restrictions are affecting life for everyone and we wish everyone the best during these challenging times. In regional Victoria under stage 3 restrictions, solar and battery installations can continue […]...
August 4, 2020
Battery rebates like concert tickets
MASH-wide newsWhilst the Solar Victoria battery rebate is good news in principle for homeowners, the reality is that the supply of rebates is not sufficient to meet demand (as of August […]...
July 23, 2020
Bushfire Safety Boost for Malmsbury
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Macedon Ranges, MASH-wide newsThe 900-strong rural community of Malmsbury can feel safer from the impact of bushfires and other emergencies thanks to a new solar and battery system that provides full protection from […]...
July 4, 2020
Free Sun Power at Vivid Swan Hill
Community Bonus, MASH-wide news, Swan HillDisability service provider Vivid, is now powered by a free solar system at its Swan Hill site thanks to a partnership between Swan Hill Rural City Council and the Mallee […]...
July 4, 2020
Bushfire Resilience Boost for Hepburn
Community Bonus, Hepburn, MASH-wide newsThe Hepburn Recreation Reserve – which is both a community sports facility and dedicated place of last resort in the event of a bushfire – now has full protection from […]...
June 9, 2020
How much can I save with solar panels?
MASH-wide newsThis article explains how much money a rooftop solar power system can save you. Step 1: Power generation First calculate how many kilowatt hours your solar system will generate on […]...
June 1, 2020
Beat the Battery Rebate Cut
MASH-wide newsIf there’s one thing I’ve learned from working on the MASH community solar bulk-buy for the last five years, it’s this….government rebates can have a truly massive impact on demand. […]...
May 25, 2020
Solar battery rebates drive up demand
MASH-wide newsInterest in battery storage is high at the moment, based on enquiries we are seeing through the MASH solar bulk-buy. It is driven by a desire to become more independent […]...
May 22, 2020
$1m boost for community energy projects
MASH-wide newsThe state government announced yesterday 21 May 2020, a $1m boost for community energy projects in rural Victoria, including the area covered by the MASH community solar bulk-buy. This would […]...
May 18, 2020
Thank you Mt Alexander Sustainability Group!
MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderThe MASH team would like to thank Mt Alexander Sustainability Group (MASG) for its ongoing support of the MASH Solar Bulk-Buy. They’ve supported us pretty much from day 1 (which […]...
May 18, 2020
Rebates slash upfront cost of solar
MASH-wide newsBenjamin Franklin famously said that “‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Well, to that, I reckon we can add “electricity price rises”, […]...
March 10, 2020
Swan Hill disability group scores free solar
MASH-wide news, Swan HillVivid Swan Hill will get a free new solar system thanks to Mallee Sun Solar Bulk Buy. It is the first free system for a community group thanks to the […]...
December 10, 2019
Time running out for farmers to apply for Agriculture Victoria energy efficiency grant program
MASH-wide newsFarmers should get their applications in soon for a free on-farm energy assessment to improve the energy efficiency of their farm. The on-farm energy assessment is the first step for […]...
October 31, 2019
Hepburn SES Scores Solar Gift
Community Bonus, Customer Story, Hepburn, MASH-wide newsHepburn Shire SES has a new 6.3kW solar power system thanks to a $6,700 grant from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, the sister bulk-buy to the MASH community solar bulk-buy. […]...
October 24, 2019
Power outage protection vital for Medical Clinic
Customer Story, MASH-wide news, Mount AlexanderCastlemaine’s largest General Practice, The Lyttleton Street Medical Clinic, took the decision around two years ago to install a solar power system combined with battery storage through the MASH community […]...
October 14, 2019
Going solar even if Powercor says ‘No’
MASH-wide newsIs it worth getting solar if Powercor – the company who owns the poles and lines in our region – limits how much solar power you can export back to […]...
September 16, 2019
Solar Panels: Is North-Facing Still Best?
MASH-wide newsOne of the questions we get asked at virtually all MASH info meetings is: “I don’t have a north-facing roof, is it still worth getting panels if they face another […]...