Environment Connect Winter 2021
The Bairnsdale Aquatic Recreation Centre is to get 99kW of Rooftop Solar. The Council is all set to install its biggest solar photovoltaic system yet. A 99kW solar system will shortly be installed on the north facing roof of the indoor swimming pool by local installers. The system will save $12,000 annually on electricity bills and generate 133,000 kWh a year of electricity – which will all be consumed onsite.
Council has also seen solar installed on more community managed sports facilities, so volunteers can reap the ongoing cost and environmental benefits too.
Omeo Recreation Reserve – 24kW plus battery
RACV Solar have kindly donated and installed a 23.7kW solar system which includes a 20kW inverter and 22kWh of lithium battery backup. The equipment includes a 4G modem and data sim with 12 months of data, to provide system monitoring back to RACV Solar and the Omeo Recreation Reserve.
Omeo Community Radio Station
The Omeo radio station has received funding to install solar and the aim is to provide a healthy office for volunteers and the equipment. By installing the solar panels, a split system, blinds and awnings it will ensure there are less fluctuations in the room temperature which have resulted in equipment failures. The installation of the solar panels will also reduce the cost of power and will encourage the community that we all need to aim to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. The radio listeners tune in from Benambra, Dinner Plain, Omeo, Hinnomunjie and Swifts Creek.
Lucknow Recreation Reserve – 20kW: A 20kW solar system has now been installed as part of the upgrade of the Lucknow Recreation Reserve Pavilion. This system will generate 27,230 kWh of solar electricity and avoid 29 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions each year.