City ups its solar capacity

The City of Canning has completed the installation of solar photovoltaic systems across six community facilities. The new solar panels will lower the City’s exposure to rising energy prices, improve the energy efficiency of the facilities and cut operational costs through reducing grid electricity consumption.

The additional solar generation capacity of the six sites, located at Centenary Reserve, Willetton Reserve, Willetton Library, Queens Park Reserve, Animal Care Facility and Burrendah Reserve, will increase the size of the City’s solar arrays by 120 kW. This is anticipated to generate more than 200 MWh of electricity annually and save more than $40,000 in electricity costs each year.

“We won’t be stopping there,” explained City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall. “We will continue to embark on innovative projects aimed at reducing our corporate carbon footprint and adapting to the changing climate. The new solar energy systems reflect the City’s aspirations to be a progressive, sustainable and climate-resilient City.

“Climate change is a substantial concern in our community,” he said. “But it’s something that we can’t do alone. It requires a collective commitment from the City, local businesses and residents to pave the way for a thriving, sustainable and resilient future for the City of Canning.

“We support working together towards a low-carbon future through an integrated program of major renewable energy projects, energy and fuel efficiency measures, and staff and community engagement initiatives.”

These initiatives include rebates for Canning residents on the purchase of solar panels, providing free eco audits, working with local businesses to build capacity and knowledge and advocating across all levels of government for the community to have access to affordable and low-emissions energy and technology.