Another milestone for Hervey Bay's community solar farm

Workers have begun installing the first of nearly 1600 solar panels at Queensland's first community-owned solar farm project at Hervey Bay this week, Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said.

Mr Robertson said the installation marks another important milestone for the $2.7 million Fraser Coast Community Solar Farm.

"This is an exciting step for the innovative 396 kilowatt solar farm project and the Wide Bay Water Corporation," he said.

"Each of the 1,584 mono-crystalline silicon solar panels being mounted will be 250 watts and collectively cover an area approximately 2,600 metres squared.

"The solar farm will generate approximately 630 megawatt hours of energy annually - enough to power approximately 100 homes - and save around 600 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

"Solar energy generated will help offset the energy use of Wide Bay Water Corporation's operations.

"Importantly there is also a significant amount of mo ney being spent locally on this project giving the Fraser Coast economy a nice little boost.

"Wherever possible, I am advised Ingenero and Wide Bay Water Corporation have sought to use local contractors on the project and current projections indicate around $390,000 will be invested locally in delivering the solar farm.

"And a further $180,000 could be spent locally if the roadworks tender is won by a Fraser Coast business.

"This creates a potential direct boost of around $570,000 for the Fraser Coast economy.

"Wide Bay Water Corporation advises me that, weather permitting, installation of the solar panels should be completed later in February."

Mr Robertson said leading Queensland solar company Ingenero is building the solar farm as part of Wide Bay Water Corporation's operations.

"The Fraser Coast Community Solar Farm is the first community-owned solar farm in Queensland and one of three solar farms developed by the Bligh Gov ernment.

"It's also the first time in Queensland a stand-alone solar farm has been integrated with a major commercial and industrial sector business.

"And it delivers on the government's commitment to invest $4 million in solar energy projects for Hervey Bay."

Energy and Water Utilities
The Honourable Stephen Robertson
24/01/2012
Another milestone for Hervey Bay's community solar farm

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Publish Date: 24 Jan 12

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