A community at work
December 28th, 2008 — solar
My meter is running backwards…the government just gave me $8000…it must be Christmas!!
I’ve just had a 1Kw solar system put in – so easy to organize, no hassle with the rebate. Easy!
Now (with the federal government policy backflip) people on any income will be eligible for a rebate – but they will have to install 1.5Kw system to get the full amount ($7,500). I installed a 2Kw inverter so can upgrade simply by adding more panels. But for now 1Kw will cover my needs.
November 18th, 2008 — energy saving, solar
Another Waterworks household has decided to install solar photovolatic system (guess who?).
Meanwhile, we all need to press for better feed-in tariffs (how much you get paid for surplus power), so that more people are attracted to go solar. And we have an opportunity to do just that.
The Tasmanian Government has issued a discussion paper (click HERE to download) on a proposal for a national feed-in tariff . This Monday (24th) is deadline for your feedback.
Meanwhile, the federal senate has just released its report (click HERE to download), generally favouring a unified national approach.
So please do take up the opportunity to have your say.
October 10th, 2008 — energy saving, events, food + gardens, landcare + faunacare, solar, transport, water resources
Come to the Sustainable Home Expo…. it’s on 1st week-end of November.
Green technologies, ideas, contacts, interesting talks… or just a place to catch up with friends.
September 30th, 2008 — community organising, energy saving, food + gardens, solar, water resources
If we had the energy and commitment we could really do something in this valley. Click HERE and HERE to see information about the Green Precincts program.
The sort of plan that could be funded by this $500,000 program could entail complete solarisation of all the street households, a construction of a demonstration home / education centre for sustainable living and much more.
So… what do you think?
February 25th, 2008 — solar, water resources
Less than two years ago a few people in our Valley decided it was time to go solar and now, as you walk down Waterworks Road, you will see that the Valley boasts some 10 solar hot water systems installed, with others waiting to be installed.
The one shown is Ian Fletcher’s — he installed it himself. (Ian and Tess live in a small cottage at the top of the valley and do great work looking after injured wildlife.)
The solar initiative was pulled off by negotiating a bulk buy and things just grew from there. In fact, we couldn’t stop it growing. We’ve ended up supplying solar hot water units to buyers from Port Arthur to Bruny Island and the number installed has grown to around 200.
Not wanting to be in commercial business, we have now externalised the solar acquisition scheme, and it becoming a non-profit business — EcoTasmania — managed by Mark Rickards. (Anybody interested can contact Mark on 6224 0166 or email Mark)
Meanwhile John Tolhurst at 194 Waterworks Rd has been compiling information on water tanks, some community members being keen to see if we can do a similar deal on water harvesting.
This one is a tad more difficult because there are so many different kinds of tanks and sizes and everybody’s need seems to be different. We’ve made this a target for the coming year, so keep tuned.