Peace of mind and cheaper ongoing electricity costs are at the heart of Sunshine Coast mushroom grower Steven Willemse’s decision to install the largest private solar hybrid system in Queensland.
A year ago SJW Mushrooms at Chevallum suffered thousands of dollars in lost production due to blackouts. The price of electricity, vital in creating the perfect mushroom growing environment, was significantly increasing business costs and so Steven commissioned local Hinterland company Maxi Solar to develop and implement a solution.
The system is a hybrid system, meaning electricity supply is generated from a variety of sources. Primary to the production of electricity are three strategically placed banks of solar panels, 204 in all, that capture sunlight according to the power consumption profile of the air-conditioned sheds during the day.
While still connected to the grid the system features onsite battery storage and a backup
generator.
The system which cost in excess of $100,000 to install, is conservatively expected to pay for itself in five years.
State Member for Glass House, the Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell together with the Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson were on hand to see the system officially switched on.