The number of residential solar installations in Mount Alexander Shire is now increasing at a much faster rate than in Australia overall.
According to the Hub Foundation’s chair, Neil Barrett, “In the two years to December 2015, the number of solar installations in the Shire jumped by 42%, compared with the national increase of only 26%. There are now at least 2,160 solar systems producing clean and free electricity in the Shire. That’s one in every four houses.”
“This is a wonderful result for our Shire”, said Barrett. “While the rate of increase in Australia overall has slackened in recent years, we’ve managed to keep the pace up in Mount Alexander.”
“Government figures show that around 75% of the installations in the Shire since September 2014 are accounted for by the MASH program. This is largely due to the great support we’ve received from the Council, the media, Mount Alexander Sustainability Group and other business and community supporters – as well as of course residents. We’ve so far installed 425 systems which will save residents $250,000 per year and result in a lowering of annual CO2 emissions by 2,000 tonnes.”
“Our success is the likely reason why the federal government’s Solar Towns project has chosen Mount Alexander as one of only four regions in Australia to receive a grant of $300,000 for solar systems on community-owned buildings in 2016. This is keeping us very busy working with community groups in both Mt Alexander shire and Macedon Ranges to help them put forward strong applications.”
“Also, over the past few months we’ve expanded our activities into the Macedon Ranges Shire. So far, we’ve received 150 expressions of interest from residents. We’re hoping that Macedon Ranges will eventually rival Mount Alexander’s solar performance, but it’s going to take a little while to catch up.”
“The second stage of the MASH program closes on 29th February. People interested should register on the website:www.mash.org.au or by calling Jo Kaptein at MASH in Castlemaine on 0455 589 065. Once registered, they can then have all their questions answered on the phone by our supplier, SunEdison which is one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies. Then, if they wish, SunEdison will arrange a no-obligation home visit by one of our local installers”, Barrett added.
Elliot Midland newspapers is pleased to be a supporter of the MASH program.
Further information : Neil Barrett, Chair, the Hub Foundation Castlemaine, 0419 327791