Solar panels to be installed on Council carpark

Solar panels will be installed on Council’s Stewart Street multi-storey carpark as part of our continued focus on sustainability and net-zero emissions targets.

The tender opened from Saturday 1 August 2020, for the design and installation of solar panels on the existing multi-storey carpark. The panels will be supported on new steel frames which also serve as vehicle shade structures. Work is anticipated to begin early 2021.

The energy generated by the new solar panels will be used by Council’s Administration Building to reduce the maximum electricity demand of the building. Surplus energy will be exported to the grid.

Wollongong City Council Director Infrastructure and Works Andrew Carfield said that this project is part of Council’s ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable Wollongong.

“The Council Administration Building already has a 6 Green Star rating, which is the highest rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. This is an impressive achievement as it is the oldest building with this rating and joins a select group of commercially operated buildings rated at that standard.

“This is an additional aspect of Council setting the pace when it comes to sustainable buildings and climate change mitigation. By utilising the car park area, we create not only shade for vehicles but also capture the sunlight to produce power for the building and the grid, especially during higher demand office hours.

“Council has been doing work for some time now with our urban greening, reducing plastic at Council events and reducing energy and water consumption of our buildings and facilities. This project is one of our next steps to improve our city’s environmental impact.”

Interested in Council’s vision of a sustainable Wollongong? The draft Sustainable Wollongong 2030: A Climate Healthy City Strategy is on exhibition until 12 August 2020 and residents are encouraged to give feedback.