Solar panels installed on Aquamoves' rooftops

Greater Shepparton City Council has recently completed solar panel installation on the rooftop of its state-of-the-art aquatic and fitness centre, Aquamoves, in order to reduce power consumption and address climate change at a local level.

The new panels were installed by local contractor Watters Electrical and form part of Council’s energy reduction plan to decrease energy consumption by 20% by the year 2020.

Director Sustainable Development, Geraldine Christou said Council is consistently seeking opportunities to improve the way we use resources, lessen negative impact on the environment and address climate change.

Christou adds “by nurturing a community that embraces sustainable energy we anticipate these solutions will provide benefits not only today, but for many generations to come.”

Council also installed solar panels on the rooftop of the Shepparton Saleyards. The solar installed includes a 99kW system at Aquamoves and a 55kW system at the Shepparton Saleyards. When combined they are estimated to save approximately $36,000 in power costs per year and repay the initial investment after approximately five years.

Christou adds “the solar installations on our buildings are designed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels while using the sun’s free energy and the savings in electricity will mean greater service delivery for Greater Shepparton residents.”

Greater Shepparton City Council has more than 400 local businesses currently using solar within the municipality, reducing power bills and assisting to decrease the impact of climate change.

Greater Shepparton businesses interested in improving their environmental performance can apply for Environmental Upgrade Agreements through Council. The EUAs provide low cost loans for building upgrades to improve environmental performance.