Today (26th October 2012) marks a new milestone in energy efficiency for Australia: the unveiling of what’s believed to be one of the largest privately funded solar installations in the nation(1), installed by SPS Energy and now operational in Caloundra, Queensland. The Honourable Mark McArdle, Queensland’s Minister for Energy and Water Supply, officiated at the commissioning celebration.
SPS Energy (www.spsenergy.com.au), based in Eumundi, is a preeminent supplier of energy management and renewable energy solutions across Australia.
The 80kWatt solar array is located on the rooftop of the Caloundra-based Saddlery Trading Company (www.saddlerytrading.com), and powers 75kWatts of inverter capacity.
Saddlery Trading Company (STC), family-owned wholesalers of equestrian products, first explored a solar solution after experiencing excessive energy costs. STC then chose SPS Energy, based on the solar installers’ track record of leadership in delivering savings to clients through sensible, renewable solutions.
Founder of STC, Greg Grant, said after investigation of the process gaps causing the energy expenditure, SPS Energy provided a renewable energy displacement component, taking the STC site close to energy neutral.
“The installation has already delivered benefits for our business: an energy consumption decline of over 60% in the first billing period after commissioning, followed by further reductions in subsequent periods,” Mr Grant said.
“As a family-owned business, it’s critical for us to keep an eye on the bottom line, while integrating environmentally conscious practices.
1 ****At the time of commissioning, research by SPS Energy placed this installation as one of the largest privately funded solar systems in Australia.