Hepburn Shire is propelling towards its zero emissions goal with 55 residents and businesses recently investing in solar power through the community bulk buy program.
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Residents have invested over $450,000 in solar and battery systems since the Hepburn Solar Bulk, organised by not-for-profit group, Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance, launched in April, a mere 45 days go.
Community Bulk Buy program leader, Jo Kaptein said Hepburn Shire had shown a very strong interest in the technology.
“We’ve run bulk-buys in Mount Alexander Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire and the Bendigo area for the last four years but to be honest, the uptake here in Hepburn is probably the strongest we’ve experienced yet,” she said.
“It’s been awesome to have the support of Hepburn Shire Council, Hepburn Wind and all the local sustainability groups.”
Ms Kaptein said that in coming weeks, two Hepburn Shire locals would also be assisting in installing the technology.
She said the 55 systems that had already been installed added an additional 320 kilowatts of solar generation capacity, helping to propel Hepburn Shire towards its goal of zero-net emissions.
“We’re aiming for a total of 200 systems installed by the end of December and within just over one month, we’re already more than a quarter of the way there,” she said.
“We’re right on track for delivering on the community bonus promise – which is $20,000 in free solar for community groups and schools in Hepburn Shire when we reach 200 systems installed.”
