Maranoa Regional Council decided last week to proceed to the detailed design phase for the installation of solar power systems at 13 of its facilities.
Situated in southwest Queensland, the Maranoa Regional Council area incorporates towns including Roma, Injune, Mitchell, Surat, Wallumbilla, and Yuleba. The region is home to ~12,666; most of whom live in Roma – which is around 480 kilometers west of Brisbane
Big PV System For Roma Airport
The largest system on the list is for Roma Airport – a 250kW solar carpark shade structure. Roma Airport is the biggest electricity consumer of all Maranoa Council’s sites, consuming 300MWh plus annually. A 250kW system could generate around 448 megawatt-hours each year – so nearly 50% more than the facility consumes.
Other sites on the list and the recommended system sizes are:
- Roma Saleyards: 30kW
- Roma Sports Centre (PCYC): 100kW
- Roma Swimming Pool: 5kW
- Roma Administration Building: 70kW
- Mitchell Hall: 15kW
- Roma Library: 70kW
- Mitchell Administration Building: 15kW
- Roma Depot: 70kW
- Mitchell Library / Gallery: 10kW
- Roma Big Rig1: 30kW
- Surat Administration Building: 15kW
- Mitchell Depot: 30kW
That adds up to 710kW of solar capacity, which could generate (rough calculation) approximately 1,274 megawatt-hours (1.274 gigawatt-hours) of clean electricity a year.
South-west Queensland councils go to town on municipal solar installations
Town halls, swimming pools, art galleries, libraries — local councils strive to offer residents a plethora of services that enrich community life while keeping rates to a minimum. Maranoa Regional Council is one of a cluster of Queensland councils drawing on solar energy to help keep costs low while fuelling fun in Australia’s sunny north.
The solar from these farms are either sold back into the grid, on contract to a solar retailer, or to a company with heavy energy usage.
Darling Downs Solar Farm
Completed in 2018 and located near Dalby, this 110-megawatt solar farm was supported by a $20 million Government grant and is comprised of 430,000 solar panels across 250 hectares. It’s contracted to sell its energy to Origin Energy till the end of 2030. It is located on Graham’s road, beside the Darling Downs Power station at Kogan.
Dalby Solar Farm
Recently completed by Renewable Energy Systems (RES) and comprising 75,000 solar panels on 45 hectares and a capacity of up to 20MW. The solar farm is located on the Warrego Highway just outside of Dalby.
Oakey Solar Farm
There are two sections to the solar farm at Okey, with the first 25-megawatt section beginning production in 2019 and the second 55-megawatt section expected to reach commissioning in 2021. The project was built by Canadian Solar and will total over 150 hectares and 88,200 panels when both stages are complete.
Chinchilla Solar Farm
With over 250,000 First Solar thin film panels generating a proposed 100 megawatt, this western farm is expected to begin commercial operations in early 2021.
Western Downs Green Power Hub
This proposed solar farm near Chinchilla is set to be Australia’s biggest to date. With a proposed 460 megawatts of renewable energy, the hub will be managed by CleanCo, and construction is set to begin in late 2020, with a connection to the existing Western Downs substation in 2022.
Warwick Solar Farm
Owned by the University of Queensland, this solar farm helped the University become the first major educational institution in the world to offset 100 percent of its electricity use through its own renewable energy assets. Coming in at a respectable 64 megawatts, and formally opened in July 2020, it will also be used as a research and training facility.
Yarranlea Solar Farm
Located approximately 50km west of Toowoomba, this solar farm is slated to have an approximate 100-megawatt production. The farm is currently producing power and is anticipated to reach full output in late 2020.
Bulli Creek Solar Farm
Located approximately 35km west of Millmerran, the Bulli Creek Solar Farm is being constructed by First Solar and is expected to reach completion in early 2021. The Solar Farm will feature an anticipated 1200 megawatts, totaling over 3 million solar panels. Due to its size, it is being built in stages and is expected to generate 300 construction jobs, as well as ongoing full-time positions once construction is complete.
Harlin Solar Farm
This proposed solar farm will feature 1500 megawatts of energy across 2,055 hectares in the Somerset region. Community feedback about the project has led to delays in construction, so there’s no specific timeline for its construction or when it will begin production.
Columboola solar farm
A 162-megawatt solar farm is set to be built at Columboola, near Miles. RES Australia was appointed as the construction and asset manager by South Korea-based owners Hana Financial Investment in late 2020. No date is currently set for the farm to begin production.
Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance Roma
Watts Up Solar and Electrical are one of the Mackay region’s premier solar panel installation experts. With a dedicated, professional, experienced, local team of NETCC-qualified, licensed, and insured technicians, combined with strong family values, dedication, and commitment to the highest levels of customer service, the Watts Up team is Mackay’s smart choice when it comes to solar installations.
With today’s rising cost of living, and business owners looking to achieve maximum profitability, installing solar panels can be a win-win for both homeowners and businesses. With the warm Queensland weather and days of endless sun, together with the increasing affordability of solar systems, there has never been a better time to consider a solar installation at your home or business.
Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance Roma
Watts Up Solar and Electrical are one of the Mackay region’s premier solar panel installation experts. With a dedicated, professional, experienced, local team of NETCC-qualified, licensed, and insured technicians, combined with strong family values, dedication, and commitment to the highest levels of customer service, the Watts Up team is Mackay’s smart choice when it comes to solar installations.
With today’s rising cost of living, and business owners looking to achieve maximum profitability, installing solar panels can be a win-win for both homeowners and businesses. With the warm Queensland weather and days of endless sun, together with the increasing affordability of solar systems, there has never been a better time to consider a solar installation at your home or business.
Why Solar? The benefits and the disadvantages
Solar power or solar energy is energy that is created through the sun, capturing the heat and the light. Solar power is therefore the process of converting this energy into electricity. The benefits of solar energy tend to outweigh the disadvantages, with the advantages of solar energy for home and business owners including lower power bills, positive environmental benefits, and a more sustainable energy source, with the disadvantages primarily focused on initial setup cost.
There has never been a better time to install a solar energy system at your home or commercial premises. With many rebates on offer, and the cost of energy only increasing, installing a solar system is not only a cost-effective energy option but is also environmentally friendly and sustainable long term. With the cost benefits of installing a solar panel system, able to be recouped in only a matter of a few years, setting yourself up for long-term savings and reduced energy bills, ensures more money is in your pocket.
Watts Up Solar and Electrical – Comprehensive Solar Panel Installation Toowoomba
As the winner of Queensland’s Best Family-Owned Solar and Electrical Contracting Business in 2021, our solar panel electrical installation process and after-sales services are the best in the region. Servicing both residential and commercial clients, our comprehensive solar panel installation service includes;
- Product recommendations, where we share our extensive product knowledge with our clients to ensure they can make the best and most cost-effective choices based on their individual needs.
- Customised solar panel design to suit your home or commercial premises, tailored to make the most of the sunlight based on your home’s positioning.
- Installation
- Ongoing repairs and maintenance services, including inquiries and answers to any questions you may have throughout the process.
Watts Up Solar and Electrical also offer ongoing support, so you can rest assured that we don’t just love you and leave you following the design and installation phase. We continuously work with you and are ready to assist with any issues or questions post-installation.
With our extensive industry experience, particularly working within the harsh sun and weather conditions experienced in Australia, Watts Up Solar and Electrical understands the importance of installing superior quality products that can withstand such conditions, and we only use the best quality solar panels, all of which come with an extensive warranty, guaranteeing longevity.
We recommend and regularly install the following brands of solar panels in both residential and commercial premises in the Toowoomba region;
- Australian-made MC 2 panels
- RISEN, self-cleaning anti-soiling panels
- German Solar Panels
- Jinko Panels
- HYUNDAI panels
With the above products all providing extensive warranties and performance guarantees, and are designed to withstand the harsh Queensland weather conditions, you can be assured of choosing a premium quality product for your premises, that is designed to last.
Arrange a Quote Today!
Watts Up Solar and Electrical are one of Mackay’s premier solar panel installation specialists, with more than 11 years of dedicated industry experience behind us. As a local business with strong family and community values, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive solar panel installation service to both residential and commercial clients, with tailored solar solutions to best suit the individual needs of our clients.
With quality preparation, efficiency, product knowledge, and experience, the Watts Up Solar and Electrical team are the smart choice for all solar installations in the Mackay region.