What better gift to give yourself, your family and the planet this Christmas than a solar panel system?
That’s the thinking of the team behind MASH2, the community solar bulk-buy project that’s already installed over 350 homes in the area. And that’s why they’ve decided to reach out to the people of Macedon Ranges with a series of five community events – from market stalls to info meetings – in the lead up to Christmas.
Solar, the ultimate gift that keeps on giving
A solar PV system generally gives a better financial return than money sitting on deposit in the bank, said Jo Kaptein, Project Officer at the Hub Foundation Castlemaine, the not-for-profit organiser of MASH2.
A typical installation of 3Kw – which is 12 panels – saves around $630 per year off an electricity bill. Given that the solar panels have a warranty for 25 years, that’s a saving of almost $16,000 in today’s money over the life of the system, not even taking into account the rising costs of electricity.
Not bad for an investment that costs $4,600. You could call it the ultimate gift that keeps on giving, said Kaptein.
Support from Council and local sustainability group
Councils and councillors in the region have voiced their support for the bulk-buy, as has Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group.
Cr Jennifer Anderson, Macedon Ranges Shire Council said,
MASH2 is a sure winner for residents of Macedon Ranges – providing savings on energy bills, returns to the community, and a reduction in greenhouse emissions. Given its success in neighbouring Mount Alexander Shire, I encourage residents to participate.
5 events in 9 days
MASH2 info meetings will be held at the Macedon Ranges Further Education Centre in Gisborne on Monday 14th December and at Woodend Neighbourhood House on Wednesday the 16th of December. Both sessions start at 5.30pm and finish at 7.00pm. Representatives from the Hub Foundation and the solar installer will provide an overview of the bulk-buy and there will be plenty of time for questions.
MASH2 will also have stalls at:
- Gisborne Christmas Festival on Friday the 11th of December (Gardiner Reserve)
- Kyneton Farmers Market on Saturday the 12th of December (St Pauls Park, Piper Street)
- Lancefield Farmers Market on Saturday the 19th of December.
For more information about these events and to register your interest, visit www.mash.org.au or call Jo at the Hub Foundation on 0455 589 065.