Great time to tap into solar hot water

Northern Star
Friday 9/5/2008 Page: 19

Byron Shire has launched a solar hot water heating campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The campaign aims to assist residents to convert from conventional electric systems to greenhouse friendly, hot water technologies. Both the State and Federal governments are offering rebates, but on top of these the campaign features a special Byron Shire resident discount' offered by a range of solar hot water heating companies.

The special discounts average between $200 and $800 and have been negotiated by the council to make it more affordable for local residents to switch from electric to solar hot water heating systems. Byron Shire mayor Jan Barham said the solar hot water campaign was an initiative of the council and supported actions contained in the Byron Shire Greenhouse Action Strategy.

Cr Barham urged residents to consider `going solar' and look at some of the discounts the council had arranged. She said switching to solar hot water heating could cut an average family's hot water bills by 90 per cent and generate savings of around $300 a year on energy bills. The council's sustainability officer, Graeme Williams, said the solar hot water heating campaign was only expected to run for a few months.

Residents who took up the offers available under the campaign could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by as much as four tonnes of CO2 a year - the equivalent of taking a car off the road. Best of all residents could pay off their investment in solar in as few as four years. A free community information presentation on solar hot water heating systems is planned for May 28 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the council chambers in Mullumbimby. To register call 6626 7305.