Council powers up latest solar system
A new solar photovoltaic system installed atop Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre is now operational.
The 100-kilowatt system is expected to generate 142-megawatt hours of clean, renewable electricity per year.
Council’s Director Communities and Place, Mr Geoff King, said that this latest install has both environmental and financial benefits.
“The electricity generated will be used to power roughly 44 per cent of the total electricity needs of the Civic Centre,” he said. “Any surplus electricity will be exported to the power grid when the facility is closed.”
Mr King said solar photovoltaic systems had been added to Bowral Library, the Mittagong Rural Fire Service Building, Moss Vale Depot, Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre, the Resource Recovery Centre, Robertson Sewage Treatment Plant, the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange and the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in recent years.
“In total we now have approximately 377 kilowatts in renewable energy installed on Council facilities,” he said
Funded by the Revolving Energy Fund (REFund), this latest system is anticipated to achieve full payback within three years based on previous electricity use.
“Together with our Highlands community we’re seeing our Shire make great progress on renewable energy,” said Mr King.
“Twenty-five per cent of residential households now have solar power installed on their homes,” he said.
Mr King reminded local schools of Council assistance available to install rooftop solar systems.
“Through the award-winning Solar my School program, schools across our Shire can get support and advice on installing their own onsite solar systems which will help save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and educate the next generation on the importance of renewable energy.”
To learn more about Council’s Sustainability Services, visit wsc.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-Wingecarribee or call 4868 0888.