Published on 20 October 2023
Council’s Field Services Depot off Lakins Road has been upgraded with a new 26-kilowatt rooftop solar power system.
The installation is part of Council’s environmental strategy to progressively convert council owned and managed facilities to solar power.
The $21,393 array was installed by local contractor Lovick Electrics. It will have a positive environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is estimated to reduce the annual electricity bills for the Depot facilities by approximately 40 per cent.
Mayor Cr James Tehan said sustainable buildings were identified as a priority for the community when Council asked for feedback on the Climate Action Plan.
“The environment and sustainability continue to be a key priority for our community and we’re listening,” he said.
“This is the next step in the solar project outlined in Council’s Environmental Strategy 2019-2023.
“The benefits of the solar installation project are twofold: it creates environmental benefit while also reducing overall operating costs into the future.”
A study undertaken by Rethink Sustainability determined that the Field Services Depot was the next best location to install a new system due to its higher energy usage compared with other Council facilities, especially during the daytime when solar energy is generated.
Council offices and several other facilities have already been converted to solar power and Council is also planning to convert the Mansfield Sporting Complex in the future.
For more information on this matter contact Council on 5775 8555 or by email at council@mansfield.vic.gov.au