Solar Power Cells, Hot Water, Energy, Collectors

Solar project continues at depot

01.01.70

GOOLWA - Alexandrina Council has approved the continuation of the solar panel project at the Goolwa depot. As part of the 2010-2011 Annual Business Plan, council supported the installation of solar panels at the Goolwa depot on Kessell Road.

The site chosen is between the works depot and the effluent ponds adjacent to the wetlands car park. This project will see a solar generating system incorporated into its wider sustainability demonstration area at the Goolwa depot. The site currently accommodates the council's works depot, waste water treatment plant, stormwater recycling infrastructure, wetlands, community nursery and community garden. The latest report to council said council asked Environarc Design to undertake a feasibility study for the establishment of a solar generation plant to produce electrical energy. "The completed feasibility study is a comprehensive report and covers all aspects of solar systems and power generation," it said. "The report considered different types of solar panels, different mounting systems, and locations for the system. "In considering all of the options available, the report found that a 16kw solar system mounted on adjustable array frames would accrue savings of $100,000 in 12 years and have a pay back period, including depreciation, of 18 years. "The savings in greenhouse gases is based on the annual output power of the solar system. "This particular use of a renewable energy generator is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25.5 tonnes per annum.

Source: Power Engineering Magazine