Townsville Queensland Solar City project
The Townsville Queensland Solar City project is an example of the greenhouse gas emissions and energy savings possible when a whole community works together to do the bright thing.
The project, based at Magnetic Island and central Townsville, is installing around 500 solar power systems on selected homes and businesses to harness energy free from the sun.
To help the community become more energy efficient 1500 smart meters are being installed. Smart meters display a household's current electricity use and costs.
On top of this, 1700 energy audits are being conducted, offering residents helpful advice on how to reduce their energy use.
The Queensland Government is contributing $5 million towards the project, which is led by Queensland Government-owned Corporation, Ergon Energy.
Townsville Queensland Solar City is one of seven cities in the Australian Government's $94 million Solar Cities program.
Helping to build a virtual solar power station for Queensland
In March 2010, about half way through the 5-year project, almost 1100 residents on Magnetic Island had joined the initiative.
By hosting solar panels, these residents are helping to build a virtual solar power station for Queensland. Bright ideas, like the Townsville Solar City initiative, have helped to already double Queensland's use of solar energy in less than two years - three years ahead of schedule. You can contribute to the virtual solar power station too by doing the bright thing and installing a solar hot water system or solar power system on your home.
See the Solar Artwork
A solar artwork has been commissioned by the Queensland Government on Magnetic Island to celebrate the communities' involvement in the project. Artist Graham Chalcroft's "Eye to the Sky" artwork is an interactive, environmental sculpture that will bring into play solar and energy efficient technologies. The artwork will be on the breakwater in Nelly Bay Harbour.
More Information
Think a solar city is a really bright idea?
- Find out about the incentives available and the benefits of installing solar panels or solar hot water in your home
- Discover more about the Townsville Queensland Solar City visit www.townsvillesolarcity.com.au or call Julie Heath on 0408 862 520
- Learn about the other Solar Cities across Australia
- Find out more about the solar artwork and see the proposed design
- Discover how solar technology works
- Download the printable version of this information
Contact Us
You can contact us on our hotline, 13 GET SOLAR or 13 438 76527.
Last updated 4 August 2011
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