Solahart Powers Port Macquarie’s Lemonade Crew

Overview

In February 2020, when Matt, a dad of two young kids, was diagnosed with ALS, a type of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), he and his partner, Bianca, committed themselves to Matt’s health with an incredible sense of resilience and hope.

Forming the Lemonade Crew, Matt and his partner Bianca have been fighting this battle while raising awareness and understanding of MND at the same time.

While the couple thought one of the most challenging aspects of this diagnosis was raising the money to purchase his life-supporting equipment and the around-the-clock care, one aspect they didn’t factor in was the increased expenses of powering these machines.

Bill shock became a regular and heart-wrenching experience for Matt and Bianca, with the couple’s power costs increasing as much as $1,000 per quarter, plus their regional location made the couple much more vulnerable to blackouts.

Matt and Bianca were in great need of a more affordable and reliable energy solution. That’s when Solahart Port Macquarie stepped in to help turn this all around and are now set to save the couple thousands each year.

After switching to solar energy, Matt and Bianca are set to save thousands by powering life-saving equipment

When Matt was diagnosed with ALS, a type of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in February last year, he and his partner Bianca, committed themselves to Matt’s health with an incredible sense of resilience and hope.

A dad of two young kids, Matt received his diagnosis at just 39 years of age and has been fighting this battle while raising awareness and understanding of MND at the same time.

Matt and Bianca founded the Lemonade Crew, a social enterprise with the firm belief, “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade!” - which is exactly what Matt and his team do.

The Lemonade Crew create funky, cheeky, and meaningful merchandise to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). You can visit the Lemonade Crew shop here.

A spotlight on at-home care

Matt’s at home support involves a breathing machine, carers and service providers like occupational therapists, a feeding tube, air-conditioning, and cough assist machines - all working around the clock to keep Matt’s wellbeing at its best. The Lemonade Crew even fundraised to have a pool installed for Matt’s rehab.

While the couple thought one of the most challenging aspects of his diagnosis was raising the money to purchase his life-supporting equipment and the around-the-clock care, one aspect they didn’t factor in was the increased expenses of powering these machines.

Things were challenging enough for the pair, but the ongoing energy costs were proving to be the couple’s next greatest battle.

The energy you can rely on

Bill shock became a regular and heart-wrenching experience for Matt and Bianca, with the couple’s power costs increasing as much as $1,000 per quarter.

In addition, living in a regional location (Port Macquarie, New South Wales) made the couple much more vulnerable to blackouts, with power outages common for their area. This uncertainty was a constant worry for the pair as unreliable power could have devastating consequences.

Matt and Bianca were in great need of a more affordable energy solution and power that is reliable.

Solahart’s local Port Macquarie dealer, Tahney Luck, knew she needed to find a way to help. She had been friends with Matt and Bianca for years, and their amazing attitude towards Matt’s diagnosis inspired her to take action.

“Matt and Bianca are two incredible people who have taken such difficult circumstances with such a positive outlook. Here at Solahart, we’re passionate about supporting people in need and giving them the peace of mind they deserve. Solahart can offer Matt and Bianca the confidence that when they need power, it’s there,” says Tahney.

 

 

Bianca says the addition of Solahart to their home is a real relief

“As Matt’s ALS has progressed, he is now on 24/7 breathing support. We noticed our last electricity bill was the highest it’s ever been. By installing a reliable solar power and battery system, ensures we will reduce our cost of electricity but most importantly it will take away the anxiety of potential blackouts and outages which could be catastrophic for Matty,” says Bianca.

Solahart will be installing 25 x Solahart SunCell Plus 415W panels, an 8kW SolarEdge Genesis Inverter, and a Tesla Powerwall home battery with an Accessory Pack, offering the couple no installation costs, with the added benefits of the full Solahart Warranties on all products.

 

These products have been specifically chosen to provide Matt and Bianca with the peace of mind they so desperately need, knowing that they will not have to rely on their essential equipment’s backup batteries in the case of a power outage.

In addition, the new Solahart Solar Power System will reduce their power costs significantly, with an immediate impact. This installation has the potential to save the couple over $4,000 in the first year alone, and almost $50,000 over 10 years.

“What we have learnt is that amongst all the lemons, there are lots of ways to find lemonade, and we’re committed to continuing to do this. To find happiness in the simplest of things is truly a blessing.

“This install gives us the power and confidence to keep raising awareness for MND while providing Matt with the best care, no matter how many lemons life gives us,” concludes Bianca.

For more information on Matt and Bianca’s story, and to find out how you can help, visit their website, Facebook page or Instagram page.