Sun drenched Magnetic Island in the distance , viewed from Townsville’s extensive waterfront area ,The Strand , has enthusiastically embraced solar energy . The island is Townsville’s solar suburb as part of the Ergon Energy Townsville Queensland Solar City project . There is a solar powered sign on the island which provides residents with constantly changing information on such things as the amount of solar energy produced and the amount of C02 reduction.
The aim of the drive is to reduce greenhouse gases , save customers money and defer investment in augmenting the power link to the island. Peak demand in December 2011 was 40% below that predicted as usual without the Solar City project. It is 19% below the target for the project and 2% less than the 2010 peak.
• Energy consumption continues to reduce and levels are now 12% below the peak annual usage, having returned to 2007 levels.
• The installation of a third cable to the island (at an estimated cost of $17 million) has been deferred for another 8 years.
• 33 520 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were saved by 30 June 2011.
• Energy assessments have been provided to 75% of the island residents and all of the businesses. An energy assessment results in a fall in energy consumption of 8% (measured 6-12 months later).
• By the end of 2011, 700kWs of solar PV systems had been installed. The milestone of one gigawatt hour of solar electricity generated by the Solar City panels since the project commenced was passed in May 2011.
• 1414 smart meters had been installed by 30 June 2011.
• There is strong evidence emerging that behaviour change brought about by comprehensive energy assessments and extensive community engagement is resulting in a noticeable reduction in electricity consumption.
The Uniting Church building on the island has a battery of solar panels on its roof and there is a Smart Lifestyle Centre on the island at Horseshoe Bay which provides information .
To commemorate the island’s engagement in the national Solar City project , the public artwork, Eye in the Sky, above , by Graham Chalcroft , making great use of stainless steel, was installed at Nelly Bay in 2010 . The two arches which form the dome are set to 19 degrees latitude at the site. The equatorial sundial in the northern half of the dome tells the time in summer when the Earth’s southern hemisphere is closer to the Sun. A sundial in the southern half tells the time in winter. At the time of the equinox,as the Sun crosses the equator, the time appears to switch between the sundials. LED lighting ,supplied by solar power , makes the dome visible at night at the ferry entrance.
