Mildura Rural City Council has reached a major milestone as it strives to become the Solar Capital of Australia, installing over 1 megawatt of solar PV across Council-owned buildings and facilities.
Council reached the milestone with the recent installation of a 180 kilowatt solar PV system, including 212 kilowatt hours of battery storage, at the new Red Cliffs Early Years Hub.
Councillor for Environmental and Sustainability Jodi Ewings said the combined solar installations across Council-owned buildings and facilities would slash Council's annual energy bills by more than $300,000.
"This is a major milestone for a number of reasons and something to be celebrated," Cr Ewings said.
"Firstly, and importantly for our ratepayers, it represents a major reduction in our energy bills at a time of ever-increasing cost pressures, which means we're able do more with less in terms of our annual income from rates.
"Secondly, relying on over 1,200 megawatt hours of totally clean energy generated from the sun, puts a serious dent in our greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring we're continuing to reduce our impact on the environment wherever possible.
"And finally, it really does reinforce our region's potential as the Solar Capital of Australia as we now have more solar PV installed than any other local government in central and northern Victoria."
The solar PV and battery storage system at the Red Cliffs Early Years Hub are among a raft of environmental features at the site, including:
- 100% electric facility
- Energy-efficient heating/cooling system
- Energy-efficient electric hot water heat pumps
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
- Electric induction cooktops and ovens
- Double glazed windows and doors
- Rainwater tanks
- Water-efficient taps, toilets and showerheads.
