Benalla Solar Neighbourhood includes Violet Town
Installing solar panels means that as well as reducing our dependence on coal fired power stations, people in Violet Town and district who are interested in installing solar panels, can cut costs dramatically, by applying along with a group of other residents, to join a Solar Neighbourhood.
This enables quality solar systems to be purchased in bulk, and installations to be performed at a reduced price, with all savings passed on to the customer.
With 50 houses in a 10km radius taking part, a one-kilowatt system worth at least $12,500 can be purchased and installed for a net cost of about $1895, after the government rebate of $8000. (Prices vary depending on the number of houses involved.)
Benalla's Solar Neighbourhood coordinator, Rhondda Boer, is excited at the prospect of helping the environment, and encouraging others to enjoy the benefits she experienced as being part of a solar neighbourhood.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to do something positive towards preserving our planet, but people will have to act quickly if they wish to take advantage of the $8000 government rebate, which ends on 30 June." said Rhonnda Applications close on 26 February.
An information session will be held at BPACC, Samaria Road, Benalla, on Wednesday 4 February at 7.30pm. It is open to all residents of Benalla, Violet Town and outlying districts, so come and get informed.
For further information, contact Rhondda Boer on 5762.4167 or email your interest to Rhondda at boerfam@dodo.com.au.
Solar boundaries will be announced in the next week or so, depending on where there is most interest.
This new offer comes as some of the last panels are installed for Violet Town's Solar Neighbourhood and the very successful, nearly 400 registrations, Murchison Solar Neighbourhood closed on 31 January 2009.