Orange Aquatic Centre is now generates its own power thanks to a deal with Kenjarhy Solar.
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The solar panel array was installed at no upfront cost to ratepayers and Orange City Council will bank savings on electricity bills.
“Many council facilities use most of their power in the daytime when solar panel generation as at its peak,” Mayor Reg Kidd said.
Solar panels are located at the works depot and child care centres.
“At each of those facilities there’s been major savings,” Councillor Kidd said.
Under the deal with Kenjarhy Solar, council will buy energy generated by the panels at a lower rate than from the power grid for 15 years, at which point the panels become council’s property.
“It’s great to see a key community project that delivers benefits for the environment as well better value for rate-payers,” Kenjarhy Solar director Brad Draper said.
Mr Draper said the swimming pool used gas to heat water and electricity for filters and air-conditioning.
“The solar panels won’t be meeting the facility’s entire energy needs, but they will be making a difference,” Mr Draper said.
