Act globally

Welcome

This is our new site covering the SHSC Solar Group's bulk purchase projects. The site now has separate pages for solar power and hot water, and a new page for updates and news. Please note that both our solar power and our solar hot water offers have now closed and we are no longer taking any new orders.

There is a new map where you can check out the solar PV orders and installs. The site will also cover any new energy projects that group members may start. 

To help showcase how our area is going solar, we're excited to launch a solar photo competition. If you ordered a solar power or hot water system be sure to check out the page and send in a photo or two. 

We aimed to make the site clearer and more interesting. Tell us what you think. 

Recent installations of solar PV systems. Photo by Ahmet Bektas.

The solar bulk purchase project

Part of the South Hobart Sustainable Community, the Solar Group is helping residents to install solar power and hot water systems through bulk purchases.

Solar Power. The grid-connected solar power systems from our first bulk purchase are being installed. You can follow updates and post comments on the "Buzz" page or read up on the details on our Solar Power page. On this page, you can also register for a possible second solar power bulk purchase.

Hot Water. For solar and heat pump hot water systems, you can still register and get a discounted quote. See our Hot Water page for details. Updates are also on the "Buzz" page.

The Solar Group

We are a group of locals who working together to organise bulk purchases in solar power and renewable hot water systems. We are volunteering our time towards a larger goal of reducing our neighbourhood carbon footprint. Sustainable Living Tasmania provides some guidance and support to help the group's work. Core group members do not have a direct business or financial involvement in the purchase.

Our objective is to organise and oversee value for money bulk purchases for:

• Solar power systems connected to the electricity grid; 

• Solar hot water systems for roofs with a good northerly aspect; and 

• Heat pump hot water systems for roofs with shade or poor aspect. 

The bulk purchase process

For each bulk purchase, we:
  1. Decided on selection criteria including quality and pricing;
  2. Collected information about available local and national rebates and incentives;
  3. Contacted suitable suppliers to learn about their particular offers and systems;
  4. Obtained written quotes;
  5. Obtained testimonials and other people's experience with the company;
  6. Rated each supplier and undertake final negotiation and clarifications;
  7. Launched and promoted the bulk purchase offer at a public meeting and through email, letterboxing, direct contact and media; and
  8. Took registrations of interest and guided people on purchasing and installing systems.

The Buzz. Click below to check out our news and update blog.