Solar power pilot gives rise to energy savings

Friday, 5 August 2016
Page Content

• Synergy's first commercial solar PV customer is expected to save more than $34,000 each year 

A Western Australian-owned and operated business is expected to save more than $34,000 a year on energy bills as part of a solar-powered pilot project announced today by the Liberal National Government.

Energy Minister Mike Nahan said a 100 kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system, made up of 1,110 solar panels, had been installed at the Byford flour mill as Synergy's first commercial solar PV customer.

Dr Nahan said the pilot project would provide important lessons for the future and help the Byford business become more sustainable and energy efficient.

"This pilot will allow us to understand more about how solar PV can help shift business production, which in this case occurs mostly overnight due to energy costs," he said.

"As part of this trial, Synergy will monitor the solar output data to ensure the Byford flour mill is getting the most out of their system and determine how future technologies can complement commercial PV systems to bring more benefits to businesses.

"Synergy is also working with the mill on a suite of energy optimisation initiatives to manage its power needs."

The Minister said West Australians had embraced solar technology, with more people taking energy efficient solutions beyond their home and into their workplaces to reduce energy costs.

"About 15 per cent of the State's solar PV market is made up of businesses which have incorporated solar systems into their operations, which creates significant savings," he said.

"The opportunities presented by solar PV and new technology can help businesses such as the Byford flour mill benefit from efficiencies by simply changing the way it operates.

"Synergy will introduce a diverse range of solar and battery products later this year, which will generate extra business for the solar industry as it partners with local businesses to deliver solar products to customers."

Fact File

• 1,110 solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Byford flour mill's operations
• In just one month, the flour mill could generate enough solar to power half of the average household for an entire year
• The estimated annual carbon savings from the flour mill solar PV system equates to taking 38 vehicles off WA roads each year