Some of the new solar panels in use by Alice Springs council.
Alice Springs Town Council has launched two new solar power systems on Council buildings.
The two new rooftop photovoltaic solar power systems have been installed on the Andy McNeill room at the Civic Centre and the depot.
The electricity generated from these systems will reduce the amount of energy being brought in from the grid.
The 45kW system at the depot is the second largest rooftop mounted system in Alice Springs, taking solar capacity of Alice Springs to 3.1MW in total, the equivalent of the energy use of over 670 average Alice Springs homes.
Mayor Damien Ryan said this is yet another practical demonstration of Council’s commitment to Alice going solar.
The solar systems will generate around 103,000 kWh per annum and will reduce Council’s greenhouse gas emissions by 72 tonnes each year. Combined with the existing smaller scale system on the Civic Centre, they will meet around 10 per cent of the electricity requirements of the Civic Centre and over 80 per cent at the Depot.
Mayor Ryan said these solar installations have a significant environmental benefit, and are also a sound investment for Council with the outlay expected to be recouped in around six years.
“But what makes this set up just that little bit more exciting, is that local residents can also keep track of the system’s performance simply by clicking on the link on Council’s web site,” he said.
Installed at a cost of approximately $265,000 the projects are being supported by $100,000 in grants through Alice Solar City.
General Manager of Alice Solar City Sam Latz said Council was one of a number of applicants for funding through last year’s Alice Solar City commercial solar power incentive, with the project gaining consortium support to show leadership in the community with these installations.
Alice Springs is one of seven cities selected for funding under the Australian Government’s $94 million Solar Cities Program.
The aim of the Alice Solar City project is to empower the community to become energy champions through improved awareness, energy efficiency measures, solar energy technology and smart electricity metering and tariffs.
The performance of the systems is being monitored live and can be viewed by visiting www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au.
