Alice businesses leading the way in solar initiatives
07 January 2010
More than 100 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year will be saved in Alice Springs in 2010 thanks to the latest local businesses to sign up for a roof top solar power system.
Alice Solar City General Manager Brian Elmer said 12 new businesses signed up in December, bringing total generation capacity to be installed for commercial systems to 142kW – enough to power 27 average households.
Businesses involved include tourism, industrial, office space and education facilities, using a range of different configurations and local installers.
“And while the Alice Solar City program is helping them with the initial financial set-up, local businesses are putting their money where their hearts are to get on board.”
The first business out of the blocks to install a solar power systems this year was Alice Springs Helicopters which had a 5kW photovoltaic system installed on their office building on 2 January.
The system will cover an estimated 70% of their annual electricity needs, saving them an estimated $1800 per annum in energy costs, and preventing more than 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum.
Alice Springs Helicopters Director Mechelle Collins said the generous grants had enabled their business to install the commercial PV system.
“We are very happy with it and have also had a solar PV system installed on our own house.”
“This reinforces our commitment to the environment and sustainable business practices as an Advanced Eco-Tourism Accredited operator”, she said.
Other commercial operators issued funding for a solar power system include: Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, Centre for Appropriate Technology Inc and the Alice Reptile Centre.
But the initiatives don’t stop there, Alice Solar City also issued funding approvals in December for three large businesses to undertake significant energy efficiency projects – these are:
• Alice Springs Airport - $25,000 for a lighting project to improve their lighting efficiency and upgrade lighting controls.
• Desert Palms Resort - $40,000 for changing their electric hot water systems (54 of them) to 27 heat pump units.
• Elitier Pty Ltd - $30,000 to upgrade the former Central Land Council Building with a range of environment improvements including painting the roof white, air conditioning upgrades, lighting upgrades, door seals and reducing the amount of sun exposed glass.
“This high amount of activity shows that Alice Springs businesses are showing the rest of Australia the way when it comes to using energy wisely,” Mr Elmer said.
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