Murchison Goes Solar Project Exceeds Expectations
It was standing room only on Thursday night as the Murchison Goes Solar Project held it public launch in the Murchison Community Centre.
About 400 people came to hear presentations by project co-convenor Geoff Lodge and by representatives of the selected supplier, Braemac Energy. Even before the question time was over people were lining up to collect and fill in application documents.
The Murchison Goes Solar project is a community based bulk buying scheme to allow local residents to purchase solar powered photovoltaic electricity generation systems at low cost and with much of the complexity removed.
160 application packs were available on the night and ran out quickly but many people took the opportunity to apply the following day when the Braemac representatives made themselves available at the Murchison Bakery.
By Friday afternoon 140 residents had formally applied for the project. Another meeting was held in Numurkah on Friday evening as an extension of the Murchison project and a further 40 people applied there.
Braemac's Victorian manager Michael Dyson said the response was overwhelming. "We are very excited. The public interest in this project has exceeded our expectations".
"The feedback we are getting has been great. It seems increasing environmental awareness has fired up community interest in sustainability and the presentation of a package like ours is enabling people to express their concerns" Mr Dyson said.
To deal with the influx of orders Mr Dyson said Braemac are looking to employ more staff. "At this stage over 300 application packs have gone out and more inquiries are being received. We anticipate there may be up to 300 systems installed from this project by its conclusion".
Applications for the current project close on 31 January. To order an application pack contact Braemac on 1800 759 769 and mention "Murchison Goes Solar" or visit www.braemacenergy.com.au
Further information: Ian Christoe 03 5826 0371, 0418 804 876, christoe@aapt.net.au - 14 December, 2008