Fatima Halloum
Resident’s living in Tarneit, Hoppers Crossing and Truganina, have topped the list for the highest concentration of rooftop solar by postcode in the state.
Data compiled by electricity distribution company Powercor revealed the 3029 suburbs had 15,343 installations as of January 2022, and 40 per cent of households had rooftop solar panels.
Tarneit resident Kelvin Tan said had his solar panels installed about 2010 and “it’s been great since”.
“We’re paying per year maybe $200 to $400 … for a family of four,” Mr Tan said.
Prior to purchasing solar panels, Mr Tan said his family was spending between $2000-$3000 a year on their electricity bill.
“It has helped me save a lot tremendously. I mean, $400 compared to $2000 a year, it’s a big saving,” he said.
Mr Tan believes installing solar panels is a long-term benefit and all new houses should have a certain number of panels installed.
“With rising costs at the moment, everything is going up,” he said.
“If you look at this as a long term investment, it’s worth your money right now for you to enjoy the savings.”
“All these new houses should have a minimum of four or five kilowatt solar panels be installed on their roof, that would move everyone to renewable energy,” Mr Tan said.
Werribee and Point Cook recorded the second-highest number of solar panel installations (10,994).
Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, Mambourin and Mount Cottrell were ninth on the list,at 3992 installations.
Powercor general manager electricity networks Mark Clarke said rooftop solar and other current technologies will build a crucial gateway to a clean energy future.
“These solar enablement works allow our customers to export their excess solar, while also supporting Victoria to reduce emissions and increase the use of clean energy generated by customers at home,” he said.
