The 36kW system was connected with a number of existing panels to create a 48kW solar power system. The most recent 36kW installation incorporates 216 photovoltaic (PV) modules, generating up to 58 megawatts (MW) of electricity annually - enough to power almost eight homes for 12 months and preventing 58 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.
Councillors Murray Matson and Margaret Woodsmith with
Solgen's Managing Director, Joe Coco, enjoying the birds eye
view of the largest rooftop solar panel installation for an
Australian local Council.
The solar panels on the Depot were installed over a two week period.View time-lapse footage (via the Solgen Energy website)
Additional solar panels installations across the City have been strongly supported by the Commonwealth Government's solar rebates for public facilities. These installations, taking place from late 2008 and 2009 include: Council's Community Nursery, Moverly Children's Centre, Clovelly Surf-Lifesaving Club, the Barrett House Sustainability Demonstration project at Randwick, and both the Prince Henry and Randwick Community Centres. All but the Randwick Community Centre solar panels have now been installed.
Sydney's climate is ideally suited to harnessing energy from the sun and solar technology is becoming increasingly attractive to people because its saves energy and greenhouse gases. A 1 kilowatt solar panel system is generally considered to power around one third of an average householder's energy needs. The Council continues to encourage residents to look at solar energy and in many cases a Development Application is not required to install solar panels.
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