Installation of the IEU’s new 70Kw solar array is now complete – and the results are everything we had hoped for.
Readers may remember the bare rooftop of the IEU’s Sydney headquarters pictured in May’s edition.
The roof of the heritage listed Briscoe Building in Wattle Street, Ultimo is now adorned with 170 high quality, 410w Sunpower solar panels from the United States that are linked in “strings” of 17 to provide an efficient combined power of 70Kw.
The system will provide, on average, 54 per cent of the building’s energy needs, and save the union $15,000 a year. The project to be cost neutral in less than four years.
Along with the financial benefits, the IEU will relieve the environment of 67,000kg of carbon emissions every year.
Work on the project was undertaken with great professionalism, without incident or setback, in less than two weeks and well ahead of the expected completion date.
To complement the new system, other minor energy saving measures have been applied to windows and doors throughout the building to retain air-conditioning more effectively and thus further reduce consumption and cost.
If any members would like more information, please call IEU Organiser James Jenkins-Flint.