Solar panels on the multi-storey Stewart Street car park are now powering Wollongong City Council's Administration Building.
The installation of the panels has reduced the Administration Building's operational energy needs from the grid, offsetting approximately three months' worth of energy consumption every year. The 549 panels, equating to a system size of 219.6kWp, are supported on new steel frames, which also serve as vehicle shade structures for the car park.
The panels on the car park are expected to generate 316 MWh/year, and the energy will be used to partially power the 6 Star Green Star Performance rated Council Administration Building, with any excess energy created exported to the grid.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that the completion of the project demonstrated Council's leadership in taking real and measurable action to reducing climate change.
The solar panels were installed as part of Council's focus on creating a more sustainable Wollongong and to assist in reaching the targets of net zero emissions by 2050 for the City of Wollongong and net zero emissions by 2030 for Council operations.
"Council is committed to reaching our zero emissions target, and we've utilised the latest solar technology to maximise the benefits and performance of the panels into the future.
"The installation of these panels is a step in the right direction for all of Wollongong by helping reduce emissions and reliance on grid derived power. We hope projects like these inspire our community to consider renewable energy options for their own homes and businesses," Cr Bradbery said.
