solar panels installation mackay
Mackay council goes solar – and saves big – with city-wide rollout
Queensland’s Mackay Regional Council has become the latest Australia local government to shift its operations to solar, in a bid to cut its electricity costs and pass millions of dollars of savings on to ratepayers.
The council – in the heart of one of the state’s biggest coal regions – says a tender to install 1.7MW of solar at 21 council facilities – including the main administration building, libraries, depots and water assets – has been awarded to Brisbane-based firm Akcome Power for $2.1 million.
Council said that cost would be offset by $541,890 in small-scale renewable energy certificates, taking the actual price of the project – once other council and contingency costs are included – down to just over $1.97 million.
That is going to provide a significant return for the council, with the investment paid back on average in four years, and total savings on electricity bills over the next 20 years estimated at $16.89 million – even after maintenance and replacement inverters.
It will also include taking one council depot “off-grid” with 40kW of solar and 20kWh of battery storage as a “trial” – although the network connection will stay in place for up to two years “just in case.”
Council, like households, has been hard hit by rising electricity prices,’’ said Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson in comments on Friday.This fairly modest initial outlay is an investment in the future which will provide ongoing cost savings.”
The council says the decision to go solar will boost the local economy, and generate a number of jobs over the course of the project.
“Akcome has advised it will engage local Clean Energy Council of Australia-accredited electricians, as well as local non-accredited experienced electricians to work with them, plus local trades assistants,” Mayor Williamson said.
“They expect to use 60 to 70 per cent Mackay-area based tradespeople to complete the installation.”
Mackay Regional Council Investing $2 Million In Solar Power
“Council, like households, have been hard hit by rising electricity prices,’ said Mayor Greg Williamson. “This fairly modest initial outlay is an investment in the future which will provide ongoing cost savings.”
The $2 million Queensland’s Mackay Regional Council will plow into solar energy will save ratepayers nearly $17 million in electricity costs over the next two decades.
How is Mackay Regional Council aligning with our climate plan? Queensland Climate Resilient Council Program membership
- Detailed climate adaptation governance assessment completed
- Initial public consultation commenced on the Mackay Storm Smart Strategy
- Sustainability & procurement policies updated to incorporate key sustainability principles
- Strategic risk register reviewed to strengthen controls for climate-related risks
- Utility control system implemented to improve visibility of electricity consumption
- Four Local Coastal Plans endorsed and implemented
