The scheme is part of the shire’s TAKE2 initiative which involves the shire becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2025. 

Not-for-profit group MASH (More Australian Solar Homes) is behind the initiative.

Executive Officer of The Hub Foundation, Jo Kaptein, says investing in solar or home batteries can be confusing as there are many options available.

“The Hepburn Solar Bulk-Buy aims to cuts through that complexity to make it easier for households and businesses to go solar.

“We’ll be providing an overview of the bulk-buy and the systems on offer – and answering residents’ questions – at info meetings and events.”

She said that currently 19 percent of homes in Hepburn Shire have a solar power system.

“Our aim is to increase this to 22 percent with another 200 solar rooftops installed by the end of December 2018.  

“If we achieve this goal, we’ll also be able to donate $20,000 in free solar to community groups – as well as cut CO2 emissions by 1,100 tonnes annually, equal to 230 fewer cars on the road each year,” she said.

Taryn Lane, manager of Hepburn Wind, said they are proud to partner with MASH.

“For our Shire to reach zero-net energy in the next couple of years we need as many households as possible to go solar. We hope that through this partnership we will become one of the leading Shires in 2018.”

Hepburn Shire mayor John Cottrell said the council is also pleased to be involved. 

“We believe that this bulk-buy provides households and businesses in the Shire with high quality solar and battery systems that represent good value for money. 

“We know that the bulk-buy will support local jobs. Any CEC Accredited local installers in the Shire are urged to get in touch with The Hub Foundation if they would like to be involved as a sub-contractor carrying out installations for this bulk-buy program,” he said.  

The bulk-buy originated in Castlemaine and has since spread across central Victoria, with the installation of almost 900 solar rooftops on homes, businesses and schools.

For more information on the initiatives and for dates of the sessions, visit www.mash.org.au/hepburn