Customer Story Archives - Page 3 of 14 - MASH: Community Solar Bulk-Buy

Power outage protection vital for Medical Clinic

Lyttleton Street Medical Clinic’s solar and battery storage system

Castlemaine’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 solar bulk-buy. With a total system cost of around $50,000, why did the Clinic choose to invest so much in solar and storage?

The problem

The main power issue facing the Lyttleton Street Medical Clinic was power outages – blackouts lasting several hours and also brownouts when the power supply either reduces or goes off for a shorter period of time. According to Practice Manager Sue McDonald, “In previous summers, the Clinic has experienced around 3-4 blackouts lasting several hours. Brownouts would occur more frequently.”

Impact

Like many organisations, the Clinic relies heavily on IT. Sue McDonald said, “We need to be able to run computers when the power is out, otherwise our doctors are literally in the dark. This is because the medical records are stored on the computers – doctors need to access these in order to know each patient’s medical history, medications and so forth.”

Safe storage of vaccines is also critical for the Clinic. “We have two fridges which store thousands of dollars worth of vaccines,” said Sue. “Vaccines need to stay at certain temperature before they spoil – and on hot days, if the power goes out, they spoil even more quickly. We knew that we had to do something to protect the Clinic’s investment in vaccines and to ensure that patients can get the vaccines they need at all times.”

The phones are the third business-critical system for the Clinic. Sue said, “If the phones go down due to a power outage and there’s an emergency, then people don’t know what to do. That’s because many people call us first in cases of emergency asking for advice before calling the ambulance.”

Solution

The solution installed at the Clinic was facilitated by the Castlemaine-based community solar bulk-buy, known as MASH – the campaign for More Australian Solar Homes. The Clinic invested in a state-of-the-art solar and battery storage system using BYD batteries, a Selectronic battery inverter and a Fronius inverter for the solar power system. This combined system provides complete protection in the event of power outages – whether they last minutes, hours or even a day or more.

“We now have the power back-up we need,” said Sue McDonald. “The system is working well and it means that we have the surety of power supply that we need to run our essential services. Ultimately, this means we can provide our patients with the medical care that they need, regardless of whether or not the grid goes down.”

To learn more about MASH and request a quote, visit mash.org.au or call 1300 466 274.

Solar Gift Helps Neediest Youth

Over 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 sister bulk-buy of MASH.

‘Giving kids a break’. These solar panels are going to make it possible for an extra 70 students a year from Victoria’s most underprivileged schools to go to camp at Doxa Malmsbury

Massive bill savings

Bill savings of around $6,500 a year from the 11.5kW solar system will make it possible for Doxa to offer their ‘positive life experience’ camp to the neediest young people in the state.

These are students who might not normally have the opportunity to attend camps due to financial hardship” said Jess Case, Manager at Doxa Malmbury. “We’re so happy that this solar system is making it possible for an extra 71 students a year to come on our 3-day residential camp and have a great time outdoors in the bush.”

With around 4,500 students going to the Doxa Malmsbury Camp each year, power costs are high. Before solar, electricity bills at the camp were around $25,000 a year with usage at around 10 times that of the average home.

We had been trying to get solar and improve our energy efficiency for ages,” said Jess. “But being a small not-for-profit, we don’t have lots of money sitting in the bank. Luckily Dominic Murphy, the Sustainability Officer at Hepburn Shire Council was a great help. He told us about the community bonus grant from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy and helped us through the whole process.”

Solar installer “excellent”

The 42-panel system was installed by the solar provider for the Hepburn and MASH Bulk-Buys – Macedon Ranges Solar Power. “Our experience with MRSP was excellent. We had no issues from start to finish. There was great communication from Luke and his team every step of the way.”

Learning opportunity

State-of-the art monitoring – provided by a Fronius inverter – is helping Doxa staff and students get hands-on with how solar works. “We have the monitoring on an iPad so that students can see how much power is being generated by the solar panels and how much is being used by the camp. Most of the students who come to camp haven’t been exposed to what sustainability is all about, and why it’s so important. So this is a great opportunity to do that.”

Going forward

With around 25% of the electricity needs of Doxa being met by the new solar system, Doxa is keen for more.

We’d love to get more panels within the next year or so,” said Jess. “If we did, we’d be able to install air conditioning in the accommodation areas so that students can be comfortable on hot summer nights. If we install aircon now, it’s going to increase the likelihood of the power tripping in summer. We’re at the end of the powerline and there are issues with voltage variance that need to be addressed. More solar would help us overcome that.”

Giving kids a break

“We’re thrilled that Doxa was selected as one of the three recipients of the community bonus from the first round Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy,” said organiser of the not-for-profit bulk-buy project, Jo Kaptein. “It’s great to know that this gift is going to directly benefit kids who could really do with a break.”

“This is the 13th community bonus system donated through our bulk-buy projects,” said Jo.

To learn more about the Hepburn and MASH Solar Bulk-Buys, visit mash.org.au or call 1300 466 274.

About the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy

The Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy is organised by the same team as the MASH Community Solar Bulk Buy. Both bulk-buys are owned and managed by Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, a Castlemaine based not-for-profit organisation that supports 13 councils in central and north western Victoria with climate change mitigation activities. The Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy is supported by Hepburn Shire Council and Hepburn Wind. For more information and to request a quote, visit mash.org.au/hepburn-solar or call 1300 466 274.

About Doxa

Doxa Youth Foundation, is a not-for-profit organisation that provides positive life experiences for students from the most disadvantaged schools in Victoria. Doxa Malmsbury is a residential camp with outdoor activities that concentrate on building teamwork and resilience. It is situated on bushland that is crosses the boundaries of three shires – Mt Alexander Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and Hepburn Shire. Visit doxa.org.au to learn more.

Trentham Primary Thrilled to receive a 10.5kW solar system

Trentham 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 a result of the community bonus from the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, which is supported by Hepburn Shire Council and Hepburn Wind. The system, which is valued at $14, 465 will save the school an estimated $3,220 annually.

The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance organizes the bulk-buy, as well as a similar one in the Mt Alexander, Macedon Ranges and Bendigo regions known as the MASH community solar bulk-buy. These projects have installed more than 1500 rooftops on homes across the region, cutting power bills by around $1m and CO2 emissions by 9,000 tonnes annually.

Students excited

The students, who are learning about sustainability as part of their science studies were excited to learn that as a result of the newly installed system CO2 emissions will be cut by about 16 tonnes annually. Students will work with the science teacher to monitor the system and learn how much solar power is being produced by the panels, and how much is being used by the school. This will help them with their understanding of renewable energy and sustainability.

New learning experience

School Captains Lola and Ari said “It’s great we have got solar panels because we are reducing our CO2 emissions. Electricity from the grid is mainly acquired by burning coal and fossil fuels which contribute to climate change. These solar panels will provide a new learning experience for kids at our school as well as helping to save our environment.”. Ms Carmody, the principal at the school, welcomed the installation including the educational benefits it would bring in the field of sustainability and the financial savings which will result as a consequence of lower electricity bills.

Great example of local action

The Sustainability Officer at Hepburn Shire Council, Dominic Murphy said it was fantastic to see yet another solar system installed within the Shire as a result of the Bulk Buy’s community bonus and Hepburn Shire Council’s “Towards Zero” grants. In June Trentham Neighbourhood House also benefited from a 6.325kW system being installed, courtesy of Hepburn Wind. Said Dominic “We shouldn’t underestimate the potential for local action; communities are leading this transition. Every renewable energy project or energy efficiency measure brings us closer to zero net emissions”

For more information about the Hepburn Solar Bulk Buy, visit mash.org.au/hepburn or call 1300 466 274.

MASH helps Harcourt Valley Primary Go Solar

A 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 38-panel solar system will generate an average 45 kilowatt hours of electricity a day, supplying around 30% of the school’s electricity needs. Bill savings will be around $3,000 a year and CO2 emissions cut by around 16 tonnes annually. The balance of the system’s cost was covered by the school’s fund-raising program.

“Money saved on power bills will enable additional funds to be directed into maximising the learning outcomes of all students at Harcourt Valley Primary School,” said principal, Andrew Blake.

Solar embedded in curriculum – not just sitting on the roof!

The penetration of solar PV is over 30% of all homes in Harcourt, which is partly due to the fact that there’s no mains gas in this locality

The educational opportunities presented by this solar PV system will be a big focus, said Jo Kaptein, manager of the MASH community solar bulk-buy. “A ‘Solar TV’ will be installed in the library so students can understand how solar works as well as its financial and environmental benefits.”

“Students and staff will be able to see how much solar power is being produced at any time – and how much of that power is being used by the school, instead of drawing power from the grid”, says Jo.

“Integrating the educational benefits of this system into the school curriculum will achieved by supplying the school with multiple logins to the online solar monitoring system, Fronius Solar.web.

A very ‘real way’ of helping students understand solar

Every student in this photo had the opportunity take a look at the solar array on the gym roof thanks to the wonderful Shayne Hill, the drone photographer, who gave the kids the chance to file past the drone camera screen to see the solar from the air

“We see the monitoring as a terrific way of helping students engage with the solar on the school’s roof in a way that is very real and practical”, said Andrew Blake. “It will help us bring the energy aspects of their sustainability studies to life.

Informed citizens of the future

“We want to help students become fully informed citizens of the future in terms of the environment and renewable energy”, said Andrew. “This solar system, donated through the support of literally hundreds of MASH participants, is going to play a huge part in helping us achieve this goal. Thanks MASH!”

MASH’s solar supplier came up with “best possible solution”

“Ultimately we’d love to have a bigger system”, said Andrew Blake. “Even with 38 panels on our gym roof, there’s room for more. We were really pleased with the advice we got from the MASH supplier, Macedon Ranges Solar Power, as we feel that they took all our requirements into account and came up with the best possible solution.

“Another big benefit is that the Fronius inverter actively monitors the amount of solar that’s being generated. So if anything goes wrong, Macedon Ranges Solar Power will receive an automated alerted so they can fix it. That gives us huge peace of mind!”

Find out more about MASH and get a solar quote

For more information about the MASH community solar bulk-buy, including details of how to request a quote for a solar power system, visit mash.org.au or call 1300 466 274.

Acknowledging our partners in Mount Alexander Shire

MASH would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Mount Alexander Shire Council and Mount Alexander Sustainability Group who are partners of the MASH community solar bulk-buy in the Mount Alexander Shire.

Key stats about the new solar PV system for Harcourt Primary School

School uses around 90kWh per day, on average, throughout the year
Solar system will generate around 45kWh per day on average throughout the year
Solar will provide at least 30% of the school’s annual electricity requirements
Electricity bill savings will be around $3,000 a year
CO2 emissions cut: around 16 tonnes per year (3 cars less on our roads); over 25 years that 75 fewer cars on the road

Solar system details

System size: 10.5kW
Number of panels: 38 panels
Type of panels: JA Solar 275 watt panels
Inverter: Fronius Symo 3 phase 10kW inverter
Monitoring: Fronius Solar.Web Premium monitoring platform including the Fronius Solar.TV
Fronius Smart Meter (providing analysis of consumption in real-time) so the school can see to what degree they are self-sufficient for their electricity requirements at any point in time – or for any time period.

Installed by Macedon Ranges Solar Power.

Social Foundry receives $20k solar grant from Powershop

Kyneton-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) Community Solar Bulk-Buy.

Celebrating the installation of 68 solar panels on the The Social Foundry, not-for-profit, social enterprise based in the heart of Kyneton in the Macedon Ranges Shire

Solar to cut electricity bills by around $5,000 each year

The 68 panel solar system will generate an average 75 kilowatt hours of electricity a day, cutting the Social Foundry’s electricity bills by around $5,000 a year. The savings will support the further development of mentoring and work-skills programs offered to more than 70 young people annually in the areas of hospitality, carpentry and conservation land management.

MASH Solar Bulk-Buy Team helped make it happen

Paul Dettman, Co-founder of the Social Foundry with their new Fronius solar inverter

Paul Dettman, Co-founder of the Social Foundry said, “We approached the MASH team over a year ago asking if they could help us go solar. They suggested we seek funding through Powershop’s ‘Your Community Energy’ program and facilitated the entire process for us. We are delighted to have such a good sized system, not only because of the obvious financial benefits, but also because we want to support renewable energy.

Savings will enable Social Foundry to consolidate and expand

“Financial sustainability is key to the growth of this not-for-profit that’s got big plans for the future.” Paul Dettman said, “The savings from solar will help our Kyneton projects operate on a sound financial platform and, once we have achieved that goal, we will be in a strong position to replicate our model in other regional communities. We’d like to say a big thank you to the thousands of Powershop customers who’ve made this possible.”

Through Powershop’s Your Community Energy program, Powershop customers have the option to purchase power with a premium attached to support projects like the Social Foundry. The premiums are pooled and distributed in grants for initiatives that positively impact the environment. To date, Powershop customers have collectively raised more than half a million dollars in funding.

Massive environmental benefits

Whilst the financial benefits of the solar system are significant, so are the environmental benefits. Jo Kaptein, Manager of the MASH Community Solar Bulk-Buy said, “This system is cutting CO2 emissions by around 30 tonnes a year. Over the 25-year life of the system, that’s the equivalent of around 150 fewer cars on our roads. That’s something worth celebrating!”

MASH would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of its key partners in the region which include Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and Mount Alexander Sustainability Group. For more information about MASH visit mash.org.au or call 1300 466 274.

ENDS

The Social Foundry

The Social Foundry is at 81 Mollison Street, Kyneton in the Macedon Ranges. It was founded by Paul Dettman and Simon Burnett in 2015 and seeks to mentor and impart work-skills and life-skills to young people with limited opportunities.

It has a cafe serving simple, wholesome food 6 days a week and provides a welcoming, light-filled community space based around good food and coffee.

In the last 12 months, 68 young people have learnt new skills in hospitality, carpentry and land management through the mentoring and practical training programs provided by the Social Foundry. In addition, the Social Foundry employs three people full-time and has around 30 volunteers.

Solar system

20.06kW solar power system comprising of 68 Flex 295 watt panels and a Fronius inverter. This system was supplied and installed by SkyGreen through the MASH community solar bulk-buy.

Powershop

Powershop Australia powers more than 120,000 homes and businesses across Victoria, New South Wales, South East Queensland, and South Australia. Powershop is Australia’s only electricity and gas retailer to be certified 100% carbon neutral by the Australian Government. Powershop’s parent company, Meridian Energy is the owner-operator of two wind farms in Australia, Mount Mercer in Victoria and Mount Millar in South Australia, and three hydro power stations in New South Wales.

MASH customers’ positive feedback

A MASH system being installed in Castlemaine

Householders 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 installers did a good job on the day, installing our new 2.97kW solar PV system through the MASH community solar bulk-buy. They turned up early, worked all day and were really professional. – Laurel O’Callaghan, Kyneton, March 2019

We’ve just had a 5.13kW solar PV system installed as part of the MASH community solar bulk-buy. The communication from the solar company was good and the product was worth waiting for. Buddy Norris, the installer was terrific and gave us lots of tips on how to use our system effectively. – Ellen Johnson, Strathdale, March 2019

“Based on the recommendation from the MASH solar supplier, Macedon Ranges Solar Power, we purchased a 6.33kW solar system with a Fronius inverter and 23 JA Solar panels. The communications with Macedon Ranges Solar Power were good and the installation met our expectations. We chose the Fronius inverter as it has a 10 year product warranty as well as solid monitoring functionality. We are able to monitor how much solar power is being produced and consumed as well as seeing how much power is being exported or imported from the grid in real time. We have an all-electric home with no mains water or gas. The Fronius monitoring allows us to modify our usage to make the most of our solar investment. For instance, we will be putting a timer on our hot water system so that it heats up during the day using our solar power. – Malcolm Sutherland, Mandurang, City of Greater Bendigo, April 2019

“I chose to go solar with MASH because I liked the idea that my solar installation was going to help community groups and schools get free solar power. The MASH solar supplier, Macedon Ranges Solar Power, were great – efficient, professional and kept me informed about what each step involved. I was amazed by how quick they were too – my system was installed in less than a month from when I registered with MASH. Now, I’m looking forward to generating my own solar power – and also to hearing which community group or school is going to benefit from the next MASH community bonus system.” – Lee Nicholls, Castlemaine, April 2019

“The main reason why we decided to go solar with MASH is that we trusted that they would choose a reputable supplier and high quality solar technology suitable for the Castlemaine environment. This is because we knew that MASH has a significant amount of experience in arranging solar bulk-buys for the Castlemaine community. This gave us the confidence to proceed despite the fact that we were not experts in the area of solar power. The MASH solar provider, Macedon Ranges Solar Power, were responsive to our questions and were very quick to install our system. We felt that they gave us the right advice in terms of what system size we needed to meet our requirements. Based on the numbers, our 5.23kW solar system will pay for itself in around 2.7 years, if we take into account the Solar Homes rebate. Down the track, we’re keen to add a battery to become more self-sufficient. We don’t have mains gas so going solar made a lot of sense!” – Imogen, Castlemaine, April 2019

Jo Kaptein, Manager of the MASH and Hepburn Community Solar Bulk-Buys said,

We’re thrilled that householders going through our bulk-buy programs are reporting a good installation process now. After the withdrawal of Energy Matters, our previous solar supplier, we’ve worked hard to set up strong supply relationships with new installers. It is extremely encouraging to get good feedback from participants about the quality of their experience with these suppliers and their installation.