Homes lead the solar way- Martin and Renee of The Patch have joined a neighbourhood solar pane

By Tania Martin
THE Dandenongs are leading the way in reducing their economic footprint as yet another sun centre project gets the green light.
More than 50 homes in the hills including those in Belgrave, Kallista, Emerald and The Patch last week had solar panels installed.
The Solar Neighbourhood Project was first launched at a meeting of the Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association (DRREA) in April.
Shire of Yarra Ranges councillor Samantha Dunn said it was fantastic to see so many people taking an active interest in the environment.
“In terms of climate change we all have a part to play and it’s fantastic to see the Dandenong Ranges community showing they want to be part of the solution,” she said.
DRREA president Peter Cook said hills people were really excited about reducing their environmental footprint.
He said at the initial meeting more than 200 people signed up for the project but the numbers had dwindled to just 50.
Mr Cook said this was partly caused by the Federal Government capping the eligibility for the rebate scheme for people earning a combine income of $100,000.
“In the scheme of things $100,000 a year between two people doesn’t amount to much especially in the current economic climate,” Mr Cook said.
Under the rebate scheme anyone who earns less than $100,000 a year can claim the majority of the cost back from the government.
After the rebate has been claimed it costs just $900 for the program.
Mr Cook said there were a lot of people who would love to be helping the environment with solar power but couldn’t afford it because of the cap.
But a Federal Government spokesman said that since the introduction of the cap there had been a record uptake in applications for the solar rebate scheme.