Not-for-profit group the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance has launched its More Australian Solar Homes program into the Loddon Shire, northwest of Bendigo in the latest push to reduce solar buy-in prices for homeowners.

People opt in to solar panel and battery bulk-buys in a scheme negotiated to push down prices and ensure high quality fit-outs.

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The project started in Castlemaine six years ago and has since helped 1500 households install 20,000 solar panels.

They are spread across country Victoria including in Bendigo.

About 31 per cent of Loddon Shire residents, business people and farmers have taken up solar and the local shire council wants to drive it up, mayor Neil Beattie said.

"The aim of the MASH program is to further increase this to 33 percent which will raise $5,000 to be donated to a not-for-profit organisation here in Loddon to cover the cost of a 4.29kW solar power system," he said.

That installation would be the 18^th community project Mash has made possible since its inception.

Cr Brattie said that federal rebates reduce the cost of solar by around 30 percent - and the state government solar rebate is worth up to $1850.

Interest-free government loans worth up to $1850 are also available, bringing the typical upfront cost of a MASH 3.3kW system down to just $350 and a 5.28kW MASH system down to $1825.

The Loddon Shire is among those trying to help residents and businesses cash in on the solar boom.

The push was given added momentum last month when the federal and state government inked a deal to connect Victoria and New South Wales' green energy grids through the so-called "KerangLink".

A swathe of commercial projects are expected to supply renewable energy as ageing coal-fired power stations close in coming decades but solar technology is also allowing homes to do their bit to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information visit mash.org.au/loddon or call 1300 466 274.