MEDIA RELEASE
TITLE: MASH solar bulk-buy launched in Loddon
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As 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.
MASH is a solar bulk-buy program that makes it easier and more affordable for Loddon Shire households and businesses to install a solar power system in order to cut their electricity bills and CO2 emissions.
Federal rebates reduce the cost of solar by around 30 percent and the State Government solar rebate is worth up to $1850. Interest-free government loans worth up to $1850 are also available, bringing the typical upfront cost of a MASH 3.3kW system down to just $350 and a 5.28kW MASH system down to $1825.
Established in 2014, MASH has helped over 1,500 people across central Victoria install solar panels on their home, business or school, reducing electricity bills by over $1M a year and lowering emissions by around 9,000 tonnes annually.
“In Loddon Shire uptake of solar is currently at 31 percent, which sits above the national average of 27 percent,” Loddon Shire Mayor Neil Beattie said.
“The aim of the MASH program is to further increase this to 33 percent which will raise $5,000 to be donated to a not-for-profit organisation here in Loddon to cover the cost of a 4.29kW solar power system,” he said.
MASH supports local communities by donating one percent of project revenues to community groups and schools in the form of free solar. So far, MASH has donated and installed 17 solar power systems across Central Victoria through the bulk-buy program.
Left to right: Joanna Kaptein, Program Lead for Solar Bulk Buys, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance; Cr Neil Beattie, Loddon Shire Mayor; Phil Pinyon, CEO, Loddon Shire Council; Anthony Igmen, General Manager, Specialized Solar