Mornington Peninsula Shire is leading the way in renewable energy with more than 2,440 solar panels installed on Shire buildings so far.
The third stage of its most recent Solar PV Project has been successfully completed, with the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Mornington Shire offices and library.
As the final stage of the project, 99.99kW and 303 solar panels have been installed on the Mornington library and Council Office roofs as part of Council’s efforts towards carbon neutrality. This is equivalent to removing 16 passenger vehicles from the road every year and represents estimated annual cost savings of $16,367.
In the first two stages of the project last year:
- 584 panels were installed on Rosebud Library, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery and Pelican Park
- 822 panels were installed on Rosebud Shire Office, Civic Recreation Reserve Centre and Hastings Library
The installation of the project’s additional 1,709 solar panels brings the Shire’s total solar contribution to approximately 707 kW, or 2,440 panels installed on Shire owned and operated buildings. The project is expected to save the Shire more than $132,000 per annum.
The Shire’s carbon emissions from council buildings and facilities have been reduced by an estimated 15% or 1,062 t CO2e per annum.
Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said the completion of the Solar PV project is something worth celebrating, as it will help the Shire reduce operational energy consumption and electricity costs.
“Now, more than ever working to reach carbon neutrality in Shire operations is important as it’s a win environmentally and economically. I’m pleased this project will help us to reduce electricity costs and energy consumption,” he said.
“In addition to a range of other initiatives the Shire is working on, including waste recovery and recycling activities and assisting local businesses to make environmental upgrades to reduce our region’s carbon footprint, this project is a step towards climate change mitigation.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire is working towards Carbon Neutrality in Shire operations by 2021 – completing the installation of Solar PV panels on several Shire buildings is a major step towards achieving this goal.
Council previously assisted with installing more than 50kW of solar at local community groups, such as Mount Eliza Cricket Club and Sorrento Community Centre.
Council adopted its Carbon Neutral Policy in February 2016. It articulates the overall approach to achieving Carbon Neutrality for Shire operations, including time frames that will be implemented to apply for formal accreditation from the federal government under the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Carbon Offset Standard.
