Wyndham’s solar splash

Hoppers Crossing second most solar panels in Victoria. Pic of Raja Veeraraghavan outside his home. Photo by Damjan Janevski.

By Esther Lauaki

Hoppers Crossing and Werribee residents are leading the charge towards solar powered homes and businesses.

Latest data from DC Power shows that 8170 solar systems have been installed in the two suburbs since 2001, ranking them in the top five in the state – and eighth in the country.

DC power chief executive Nic Frances Gilley said that the boom was a direct response to rising energy costs.

“Hoppers Crossing and Werribee residents are amongst the biggest adopters of solar in the country which shows they are especially savvy when it comes to reducing their household spending and energy bills,” Mr Gilley said.

“Those residents are investing in rooftop solar in record numbers to take matters into their own hands and reduce their electricity costs.

“I think the number of rooftop solar systems in the area … will only continue to rise as more people learn about the significant savings they can make through solar.”

Mr Gilley said electricity prices had risen more than 60 per cent on top of inflation in the past decade and are only expected to climb.

“In places like Wyndham where rooftop solar is so prevalent, it’s critical that households get the support they need from their power company to maximise savings on their electricity bill.”