Solar panels, hydronic heating, Tesla Powerwall 2 battery storage and wind power are showcasing what renewable energy can do at Planet Power’s new location.
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Thanks to renewable energy and a well designed building, the business now uses 80 per cent less electricity at 6 Lockyer Street compared to their old Blake Street premises.
Solar panels for the roof and a wind turbine will be installed in coming weeks but there is already enough power to run the three warehouses.
The move was triggered by the need for more space and to give them the opportunity to showcase what renewable energy can look like when integrated into a building.
When Planet Power owner Craig Burmeister first starting installing solar panels more than 25 years ago people would request that panels were installed where they couldn’t be seen as they didn’t like the appearance.
This concept is what drove him to install panels on the front of his new building to showcase how good panels can look.
“I have placed solar panels on the front and centre of the building, utilising them as awnings, which act to give shade and heat reduction to the offices during the summer months, and also allow sunlight through in the winter months when the sun travels across on a lower trajectory,” Craig said.
“Not only does this give us a practical product application, it also produces a lot of energy, and reduces our power needs and reliance on the grid.”
Solar companies generally come from two backgrounds, sales and marketing or installation.
Craig comes from an installation background and believes that it is extremely important to have qualified, skilled and local electricians installing solar systems, as there is the business reputation to uphold.
Only trusted and qualified installers are used by Planet Power with partners in Albury and Cootamundra.
While other companies might use high pressure tactics to sell, Craig does not.
We’re here to stay, you can buy solar off us at any time
- Planet Power owner Craig Burmeister
“We take pride in our work and leave everything looking neat and tidy,” he said.
This pride is obvious at Planet Power’s new premises, which highlights the benefits of renewable energy.
Planet Power has built a solar showcase using the latest state-of-the-art LG panels, along with Enphase Micro-Inverters, for their purpose-built headquarters.
