MASH is coming again to Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges, this time bigger and better than ever before. The bulk-buy, which is strongly supported by both Councils, is cutting the price of high quality solar and battery systems by around 15%.
MASH, which stands for More Australian Solar Homes, started in Castlemaine in 2014 and has been hugely successful. It has so far been responsible for almost 500 solar installations and has been instrumental in raising the percentage of houses with solar in Mount Alexander from 18% to 26%. In Macedon Ranges, there’s been an increase as well, with over 150 MASH installations since November last year. MASH has also reduced the region’s emissions by almost 3,000 tonnes per year and saved the community almost $400,000 on its power bills.
MASH is the brainchild of the Hub Foundation Castlemaine which is registered with the Australian Charities and Not For Profits Commission.
According to the Hub Foundation’s project officer, Jo Kaptein, “MASH has been by far our most successful project to date. We consolidate the buying power of residents to negotiate discounts of around 15%. Because we are a not-for-profit, we can pass these onto customers. It’s a win/win for residents and for the environment!”
“The reason for our success is the trust people tend to place in us as a not-for-profit organisation backed by Councils. Plus we have a great track record of offering relatively low prices on quality equipment and always being prepared to go to great lengths to satisfy customers.”
“We will be organising several public information sessions in the two Shires over the next few months. These sessions will provide an excellent opportunity for people to ask all the questions they may have about solar and battery storage”, said Kaptein.
In this latest stage of MASH, both standard and premium systems are on offer and batteries are available for the first time.
Also, MASH will again be awarding free installations for community-owned buildings once 100 installations have been achieved in each Shire. So far, four such installations have been carried out in the two Shires. The latest, on Newham Primary school, is due to take place later this month.
For more information, visit www.mash.org.au or call 1300-466-274.