Toowoomba Council’s Solar Powered Depot Officially Opened
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio officially opened Council’s new solar-powered $67 million Principal Depot in Charlton last week.
Among the sustainability features of the new depot are a 750,000-liter rainwater tank and solar panels installed on the rooftop of the central operations building and main workshop. Mayor Antonio said the depot “will run entirely on solar power”.
So, how big is the system? The Mayor didn’t mention capacity, but this page states there would be an initial installation of a 200kW solar system and 400kWh of battery storage, with a further estimated 300kW of solar capacity to be installed late this year.
The depot installation adds to the Council’s existing portfolio of PV, which includes systems installed at:
Toowoomba and the surrounding regions offer a wide range of renewable and sustainable projects, groups, and events in the local area. We’ve compiled a list of some of the companies, groups, and people making an impact, and working to create a sustainable future in the Darling Downs.
- Highfields Sport and Recreation Park
- Toowoomba City Library
- Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility
- Kleinton Waste Management Facility (under construction)
Darling Downs Renewable Projects
The 110-megawatt Darling Downs Solar Farm (DDSF) is located near Dalby and was officially opened in 2019. An agreement with Origin Energy covers the purchase of all energy produced until 2030. The solar farm has approximately 430,000 solar panels covering approximately 250 hectares and connects to Powerlink’s existing Braemar Substation.
Located just outside Toowoomba, the Oakey Solar Farm is an 80-megawatt photovoltaic project which was rolled out in two stages. The project was planned and developed by Canadian Solar, one of the largest solar companies in the world.
A $450 million solar farm was recently approved for development by the State Government. The site is 250km northwest of Toowoomba and is expected to be fully operational by 2021.
The $450 million medical cannabis farm recently received Council approval and involves the construction of a 40-hectare glasshouse to produce 20,000 plants at full capacity. Anticipated to be the largest facility of its kind in the world, the farm plans to operate solely off sustainable power sources including solar and wind power.
Bottle tops are put into a landfill instead of recycling Australia-wide, so local startup Tops Off took the opportunity to pitch and build a company that would turn bottle caps into 3D printing filament. After winning a local Startup Weekend and placing in the top 20 worldwide, the team is now working towards scaling their idea and collaborating with other sustainable recycling initiatives.
Toowoomba Sustainability Achievements
Satori display home for Sustainable House Day
The Satori display home by Geoff Gibson took out the prize of the 2016 HIA Qld Greensmart Energy Efficiency Award Winner and was named a top national green home for Sustainable House Day in 2017.
In 2019, Toowoomba was named in the top five rooftop solar postcodes in Australia. Toowoomba has 9386 installations with 36,147kW capacity. Queensland took out four of the top five places on the list, and you can expect these numbers to continue to increase in the future.
Toowoomba’s First Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
In March 2019, Clifford Gardens unveiled the town’s first two Electric Vehicle (EV) charging bays to be used by shoppers free of charge. The EVlink Parking stations are compatible with all type 1 and type 2 electric vehicles. City Golf Club followed later that year with a Tesla charging station.
USQ Solar Project nets Clean Energy Council award
USQ took out the 2017 Clean Energy Council’s award for the 1.1MW solar carpal shading system at USQ Toowoomba, constructed by Autonomous Energy. The solar project was just one part of the University’s $6 million Sustainable Energy Solution.
Toowoomba Sustainable Groups & Communities
Created by Toowoomba & Darling Downs founder Kim Cahill, this Facebook group has an active community of local community members dedicated to learning and actioning zero waste methodologies in their everyday lives.
A local Facebook group with over 5,000 members, the Toowoomba Region Unconsumers group is a thriving community of locals who share, giveaway and exchange a range of household items and produce to avoid waste or buying new products with short life spans.
Managed by Proven Energy, this Facebook group offers a local discussion forum on all forms of renewable energy, as well as industry and news updates about solar and wind power.
National initiative Renew has been providing expert, independent advice on sustainable solutions for the home to local households, government, and industry since 1980. The organization has a Toowoomba-based branch that provides sustainable updates via Social media and organizes local events relating to sustainability and climate change.
The inaugural South Queensland Energy & Resources Expo was held by TSBE in October 2019. The event was created to bring together companies and professionals from a diverse range of energy areas, including renewable energy, gas, and mining through to infrastructure, engineering, construction, and transport.
A national organization with headquarters in Toowoomba, HOPE has been running environmental campaigns, educational workshops, and sustainability summits since the 80s.
DDEC is a peak regional environment group dedicated to the preservation and protection of the environment, (natural, built, and managed) – and the enhancement of values that promote sustainability.
Quality Without Compromise
Wattsup Solar ” Amazing ” https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/watts-up-electrical-and-solar
Watts up the solar and electrical won the “Best family owned Electrical and Solar Contracting Business Qld award 2021″
Watts Up Electrical and Solar has signed on to the Clean Energy Council Solar RETAILER Code of Conduct – recognized by the solar industry code of conduct authorized by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Find out how to buy with confidence in this video.
Go to www.facebook.com/wattsupsolarandelectrical follow us and like our page and find out more information about solar and savings. We are with you every step of the way and will ensure your experience is one which you will be happy to share with friends and Family.
When you choose Watts up Electrical and Solar as your solar partner for your home, you get a lot more than a competitive price and TIER 1 quality, you also receive:
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- Local, certified, licensed, insured & qualified installers & designers with over 2000 installations and over 11 years of experience
- NETCC Approved Seller and Accredited Installers and Designers to the highest Standards
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Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance Toowoomba
With the 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 Toowoomba
Watts Up Solar and Electrical are one of Toowoomba, Lockyer Valley, Crow’s Nest & Highfields regions’ 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 Toowoomba’s smart choice when it comes to solar installations.
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.
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
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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.
Contact Us Today
Watts Up Solar and Electrical are one of the Toowoomba region’s premier solar panel installation specialists, having more than 11 years of dedicated industry experience behind us. As a local business, 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.
Whilst solar panel installations are our specialty, the Watts Up Solar and Electrical team also have extensive experience in the provision of a wide range of general electrical services, in addition to offering technical consulting services. Our team are NETCC Accredited designers and installers, offering repair and maintenance services.
Our team is also committed to establishing and maintaining sound long-term and ongoing relationships with our clients and we pride ourselves on offering quality without compromise, ensuring that each and every client receives the best and highest quality products for their needs.
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 Toowoomba region.