ENERGY EXPO Saturday 20th October10 am to 4 pm St Mary’s Hall, Queen Street, Moruya Gold coin entry
It is all about saving money - For the individual and the district
The Beagle talked to Frank Eden whose energy and drive established the Expo three years ago at Narooma. He said, ‘Buying electricity is a financial burden on our economy. The more power we generate locally the less money goes out of the district and the more there is to spend here.’ Frank has a degree in Mathematics, 40 years in IT, 5 years running a small business doing hydronic heating in Canberra and together with his wife runs “Clark Bay Cottage” in Narooma – accommodation designed to be accessible. For two years the Expo has been organised by Narooma Rotary with 500 attending. This year is Moruya Rotary’s turn.
SOLAR PANNELS
"Although the initial cost is higher many people enjoy the lower electricity costs of solar panels that last at least 20 years. This year there will be 4 or 5 local solar panel installers at the Expo." They all use high quality panels. Frank said, ‘In the big cities there are some companies with cheap panels that are not going to last the distance. The local installers all use tier one panels and that’s a much better bet.’ "The local guys are also quickly at your place if there is a problem."
"If you are in business you can check out the commercial solar PV opportunities. Businesses are often too busy to explore this cost saving opportunity. Ask about the Repower free option of providing you with solar panels funded by community investors."
Above: Members of Narooma Rotary at last year’s Expo, from left to right: Frank, Angie, Mike, Rachel, Michael and John
TESLA CAR MODEL S
Vin, the owner of a Tesla Model S in Merimbulah will be there to show off his car. The Model S is an impressive vehicle. As Frank said, ‘It doesn’t have an engine, so hardly any maintenance. No fuel tank either. And the latest Tesla model does 100kph from a standing start in just 2.5 seconds. That’s impressive.’
Frank has an electric car to chase his steers and alpacas, ‘It is really quiet so you can creep up on them.’ But he cannot drive it on the road.
ELECTRIC CORDLESS LAWN MOWERS, CHAINSAWS AND BLOWERS
Moruya Rotarian Shirl Hayes-Cornish told the Beagle "I wish I had talked to Frank before I bought my wonderful electric blower. The extra cost of batteries put me off but we all make mistakes. My blower is so awkward and even with a long cord does not go everywhere I want it to go."
"The battery lawn mower costs about 10c to recharge and you don’t have to keep going to the garage for a refill. Frank has two batteries so one can be used as the other recharges."
This year Phil Armstrong of Moruya Rotary Club is the organiser. He said, ‘We are supporting the local community by giving them renewable energy options.’
The Expo will also feature Electric bikes, a sausage sizzle and a raffle for solar on the Red Door Cafe.
Moruya Rotary also has a Garage Sale on the same day so you can go to both. The Garage Sale is from 8.30 am – all day at 3 River Street, Moruya – a little west of the hospital.
