By XAVIER SMERDON
HOPPERS Crossing homeowners are leading the way with renewable energy, with the suburb ranking second in Victoria for the number of solar panels installed on houses, according to new research.
Figures released by the Australian Solar Council last week showed that with 8138 solar systems installed in Hoppers Crossing homes, the suburb has the second most systems in Victoria and the fifth most Australia-wide.
According to the research, 34 per cent of houses in Hoppers Crossing have a solar system.
John Grimes, the Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council said Hoppers Crossing’s standing on the list proved that solar power is not reserved for wealthy suburbs.
“Regular Australians are concerned about power prices and are prepared to invest in, and get behind proven energy technology,” Mr Grimes said.
“This research destroys the myth that renewables support is for the wealthy.
“Mortgage belt Australian’s have invested an estimated $2-3 billion of their own money in solar so far.”
“With power prices escalating, it is no wonder families with mortgages and regional households are looking at ways to cut energy costs.”
Cocoroc, on the western fringe of Wyndham, ranked highest in Victoria for solar systems, with 8426, or 29 per cent of houses having one installed.
The research also revealed that there are more solar systems in rural and regional communities than major capital cities.
It was also more likely for suburbs with lower average household incomes to appear higher on the list.
