Not For Profit provider Bolton Clarke is to install solar power into over 20 residential communities in QLD and NSW.
The most recent solar installations have been at Bolton Clarke’s Thornlands (pictured), Banora Point and Currumbin Waters communities, while new solar installations are taking place at homes in Parkinson and Townsville.
The first solar photovoltaic systems were built at its residences in Longreach and Bowen in 2019. The Bowen community also has three 13.5kW Tesla Powerwall batteries to further reduce consumption.
Bolton Clarke General Manager Property Development James Mantis said the solar roll-out would result in a total annual generation capacity of about 4.5 million kWh, representing around 20% of existing electricity consumption across the communities.
The NFP is working with research and design partners including QUT to develop sustainable and energy-efficient communities.
The ongoing QUT iHub project at Bolton Clarke Fernhill, Caboolture – part of the Innovation Hub for Affordable Heating and Cooling initiative – aims to advance the industry’s transition to a low emissions future by testing new technologies to reduce energy consumption.
“The baseline findings show energy use is correlated with external temperature, highlighting the big impact of heating and cooling loads on total energy consumption,” James said.
