East Gippsland Shire Council is tapping into the power of the sun to save on energy costs by installing its largest-ever solar system one of its buildings.

The100kW photovoltaic solar system will be installed atop the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which is one of Council’s highest energy-using sites. This installation will assist Council in moving to 100 per cent of its electricity coming from renewable sources by 2023, as identified in the Council Plan 2021-25.

Council has engaged East Gippsland companyA1 Solar & Electrical to undertake the installation, with work set to commence Monday, August 9, and run for four weeks. The installation will not impact on customers using the facility.

In addition to providing an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly service for the site the panels will also reduce reliance on mains power supply.

The system is expected to have a payback period of approximately nine years and will complement an existing 65kW cogeneration gas-powered unit that is onsite,to create an energy-efficient site.

For tips on how to reduce your energy bills and access programs that can help you save on power bills, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/environment-and-waste/energy-use-and-savings.

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