Climate Change Strategy Phase 1: MidCoast Council
8.6 Behind-the-meter solar Solar PV is a well-established technology, and more than 20% of Australian homes and an increasing number of businesses are installing solar panels to reduce their grid Description energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Uptake of battery energy storage (BESS) remains low but is expected to become more cost-effective in future. Council has several solar PV systems installed across MidCoast Council area, with a few examples including: • • • • •
25.65 kW installed at the Manning Entertainment Centre 21 kW installed at the former MidCoast Water Administration Office 15 kW installed at the former Forster Administration Building 30 kW installed at the Stroud WTP 160 kW installed at Yalawanyi Ganya, Council’s new administration building
Visits to Council’s operations as well as discussions about planned new facilities and upgrades has highlighted opportunities for solar at 34 sites. Most sites are operated by Council, but some are operated by third parties, and opportunities for solar may need to be considered and adopted by these operators rather than by Council. At several sites, more than one option can be considered. At some sites implementation of solar and storage may be a staged approach. The following is a summary of the identified solar PV and BESS opportunities that have been identified at Council operated sites: Site name
Behind-the-meter solar potential
Manning Aquatic and Leisure Centre (3rd party operated)
A 25 kW system initially can be expanded to 99 kW, later on, to remain under the STC limit. In the medium, to long term, this can be expanded to 150 kW and up to a maximum capacity of 333 kW covering all roof spaces.
Manning Entertainment Centre expansion
A 25 kW and 50 kWh battery initially, expanding to 50 kW and 100 kWh battery later on.
Taree Visitor Information Centre
A 10 kW system can be installed on the roof building and absorb the majority day time load
Manning Regional Art Gallery
An additional 15.7 kW of solar PV on the NW facing roofs of the gallery, potentially with a 30 kWh battery to increase self-consumption
Taree Depot
An additional 36.9 kW system initially, expanding to 214 kW later with 300 kWh of battery storage covering all roof spaces. In the long term, this site could become an electric vehicle charging station with solar and storage meeting daytime charging needs for electric vehicles at the depot.
Taree Library
A 25 kW system can be installed on the roof of the tenanted building and be absorbed by library energy demand
Bootawa WPS
A 99 kW system on the roof of the PS2B with an additional 143 kW on the roof of the clear water reservoir later on.
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