PICAL staff celebrate the installation of solar panels and a battery, which means PICAL can offer individuals a place where they can recharge their mobile phones, seek shelter or potentially get a cup of coffee while the power is out for a while.
The new system includes 32.56kW of solar panels and a BYD 22.1kWh battery module and will help reduce energy costs and provide a continuous supply of power during extreme weather events and power outages.
As part of Bass Coast Shire Council's "Risk and Resilience" program, local solar company Sunscape Solar, based in Grantville, recently installed 32.56kW of solar panels and a BYD 22.1kWh battery module at Phillip Island Community and Learning (PICAL).
Through the funding, council is equipping existing community facilities with solar and battery systems that aim to provide a continuous supply of power during extreme weather events and power outages.
A key objective for council's program is to ensure that in the event of power outages, community places like PICAL can offer individuals a place where they can recharge their mobile phones, seek shelter or potentially get a cup of coffee while the power is out for a while.
This investment in climate resilient infrastructure will also be supported by local community engagement to help communities further prepare for the range of local emergencies predicted to occur following increased extreme weather events.
The project will help with both PICAL and the council's climate action goals, plus offer the added benefit of delivering electricity savings to help with the day to day running costs of the centre.
David Rooks, former Bass Coast councillor and manager of PICAL, said the project was a welcome one for the community.
"PICAL is proud to be one the of the Bass Coast Shire Council's relief and recovery centres. We hope that we can serve the community in times of need into the future.
"We also appreciate the on-site investment by Bass Coast Shire Council and the subsequent reduction in our electricity bills."
While the centre has only received one electricity bill since the solar power and batteries were installed, David has indicated that they have seen clear reductions in their daytime electricity usage.
With the new data gained from the system, they are now aiming to reduce their power usage at nighttime to get as close to energy neutral at the site as possible.
If you would like to discuss how you can save money on your electricity bill and increase energy resilience at your home, feel free to visit Sunscape Solar's website at www.sunscapesolar.com.au or call the office on 1300 733 332.
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