Community groups are being urged to apply for a free 5kW solar system as organisers of a not-for-profit bulk-buy scheme celebrate a major milestone.
The $7400 system, donated by the Hub Foundation Castlemaine and supplier SunEdison, includes an inverter and 20 panels.
Hub Foundation project officer Jo Kaptein said the donation would mark the successful installation of more than 100 systems in the Macedon Ranges as a result of MASH2, the second round of the hub’s solar bulk-buy program.
Riddells Creek Christmas Tree Farm owner and Macedon Ranges mayor Graham Hackett is among those who signed up for the program.
Cr Hackett, who recently had a 5kW system installed, said he hoped to generate enough power to meet all the farm’s electricity needs once the price of storage batteries went down.
‘‘We had the system checked the other day and it’s already produced about 550 kilowatts of power in five weeks,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m hopeful that our power costs are going to go down markedly.’’
Cr Hackett said the new system was powering his farmhouse, five fridges, pumps, sheds and power tools. He said it was far superior to a 2kW system that cost him close to $20,000 about eight years ago.
The purchase process was also a breeze, with MASH2 eliminating the need to deal with separate consultants, retailers and wholesalers.
Community group applications close on May 30.
The next round of the bulk-buy scheme is expected to start mid-year. Details: www.mash.org.au
