An innovative new GreenPlumbers pilot project in the Macedon Ranges is set to encourage residents to go solar - thanks to a new partnership between Industry, Government and Community. Regarded as a community model for the future, the Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Hon. Candy Broad, officially launched the pilot in April 2002, at the Macedon Ranges Shire.

The project is a result of a collaboration between the Master Plumbers' and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (MPMSAA), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Victoria (SEAV), the Macedon Ranges Shire, Rheem Australia and Plumbing Plus. RMIT University developed, and is delivering the workshops, through the Shire Offices, for local plumbers.

New technology now allows electric hot water systems to be retrofitted with solar panels and with the various stakeholders working together, the cost of converting to solar is being further minimised. The current Government Solar Rebate of around $800 will also apply, making the retrofits or full solar installations even more affordable.

Local residents are being asked to register their interest with the Macedon Ranges Shire. They will then be put in touch with a GreenPlumber, trained in climate care and renewable energy options, who will be able to assess their current system, advise them on available options and carry out installations.

A cost-effective alternative may be to retain an existing electric hot water storage tank, refitting it with solar panels to reduce the amount of electricity required. The upgrade to solar hot water has substantial benefits for consumers, with ongoing savings on electricity bills. The environment also stands to gain, in terms of reduced greenhouse gases from the biggest source of household emissions - hot water systems. An electric hot water system on average produces 6.8 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year, whereas a solar-electric system produces 2.7 tonnes.

The initial cost of the installation is an investment in renewable energy, which then pays dividends for the environment and consumers in each successive year. With the recent increases in electricity prices, a typical family can expect to halve both their greenhouse gas emissions and their water heating costs, saving around $170 to $220 per year, depending on usage.

If 8000 Macedon Ranges Households were to take up the offer, this would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Shire by over 30 000 tonnes every year. Successful uptake would demonstrate the community's commitment to addressing the issue of climate change and would also provide a working model for other councils across Australia to implement. The pilot program will run until the end of the year.

For more information, please contact GreenPlumbers Director, Vin Ebejer on (03) 9329 9622, or the Macedon Ranges Shire on 1300 656 577.