MORE north-west residents are choosing to harness the power of the sun, as new figures show the region had among the highest number of rooftop solar panels installed last year.
More than 4780 solar panels were installed in Brimbank and Melton in the 12 months to January, according to the federal government’s Clean Energy Regulator.
Postcode 3023 — spanning Burnside, Caroline Springs, Cairnlea, Ravenhall and Deer Park — had 1500 households opt for solar power, while Sydenham had 916 and Taylors Lakes 530. In Brimbank, Sunshine had 940 and St Albans had 777, followed by Braybrook (118).
Sustainable Energy Association chief adviser Ray Wills said residents in outer suburbs might have a reputation for preferring SUVs and expansive houses, but they were also among the highest purchasers of solar panels. “People who have installed solar panels for any reason do consider their energy use more closely. The latest crop is doing so because it makes economic sense to generate electricity from a solar panel.”
Melton Environment Group president Daryl Akers said the high number of residents switching to solar energy in Caroline Springs and Sydenham could be attributed to increasing environmental awareness. “People are building new homes and researching the best ways they can be environmentally sustainable for the future…”
