The 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 the Mt Alexander Shire and Macedon Ranges Shire.
Half of the money will be donated to an organisation in the Mt Alexander Shire and the other half will go to a group in the Macedon Ranges Shire. For the Macedon Ranges Shire, a further $5,000 in the form of an interest-free loan will be made available by the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group.
Could this be your group?
MASH organiser Jo Kaptein said applications were open now, until 23 November.
“This is a shout out to all community groups and schools in the region to put in an application for a solar power system,” Ms Kaptein said.
“Any community group, school or social housing group that uses a fair bit of electricity during the daytime, has a suitable roof and can identify a specific project to put the bill savings towards should apply.”
“This give back to the community, in the form of free solar, is part of the promise we make to bulk-buy participants. Uptake of solar through MASH has been really strong with over 650kW of solar ordered in the last 4 months and that’s why we can donate again.
“These will be the fifteenth and sixteenth solar systems we’ve funded through our bulk-buy programs” said Jo Kaptein. “In total we’ve funded and facilitated over $150,000 in free solar for community groups since MASH started in 2014. It’s one of the aspects of the bulk-buy that I love the best and I know from talking to people who buy systems through MASH that they like it too!”
“Rooftop solar is an important part of transitioning our community to renewable energy. MASH does a great job at being part of this movement. Their give back to the community scheme is a wonderful way to help parts of the community to join in on the benefits of rooftop solar who may not have been able to do so.” – Allie Hanly, Communications Officer, Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
“Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group wholeheartedly supports the MASH Solar Bulk-Buy program which makes it easy for residents to have a solar power system installed at their homes, rental properties or businesses, thereby reducing electricity bills and carbon emissions at the same time. The Victorian Solar Rebate and availability of an interest-free loan makes it good economic sense to move to clean, renewable energy now. MASH’s Community Bonus is the icing on the cake with non-profit organisations in our Shire benefitting from free solar installations.” – Dr David Gormley-O’Brien, President, Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group
The deadline for applications is Monday, 23 November 2020 at 5pm.
For details on how to apply visit this page.
MASH would like to acknowledge the support of its many partners in particular Mount Alexander Sustainability Group, Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and the two councils for these Shires.