Emerald is leading the way when it comes to going solar, according to President of the Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association (DRREA), Peter Cook.
Mr Cook was one of many local representatives who took part in making the Solar Savers Expo a success on Sunday 21 January, held as part of the activities of Emerald Market.
Hosted by DRREA with Emerald Community House, guests were invited to ask questions about solar energy.
He said last year was a record-setting one for solar power in Australia, with a 50 per cent increase on the year prior.
In the Emerald postcode, 478 new solar systems were installed.
This included solar systems on seven community buildings and three businesses, with plans for installation at the Emerald Community House.
Chair of the Community House, Mary Farrow, said they will install a solar system thanks to help from DRREA.
“This will give us an independent power supply, which is crucial in a big storm or bushfire when the power may take several days to be restored,” she said.
Interested residents can contact DRREA via www.drrea.org.au.
