Following the completion of one of Australia’s largest single site rooftop solar panel installations, CSU has begun the next installation of solar panels across its Albury, Bathurst, Dubbo and Orange campuses. 

Manager of CSU Green, Ed Maher indicated that the cost savings of the project were substantial and provides evidence to other businesses that it is the right time to invest in renewable energy. 

“The Wagga project was completed in October last year and was delivered off the back of an attractive business project that was very financially attractive,” Mr Maher said. 

“It offers a positive cash flow benefit to the university and provides environmental benefits to the greenhouse and is financially sound. 

“The systems gave us the confidence to expand to a second stage, focusing on the balance of CSU’s campuses.” 

The next stage of the solar panels will provide the university with over 2500 kilowatts of renewable energy adding to the existing 1700 kilowatts solar energy generation. 

As Australia’s first certified carbon neutral university, Mr Maher said this is part of the university’s goal to achieve 100 per cent of energy sources to renewable power.

“Exemplified by out certified carbon neutral university, the implementation of our onsite renewable system and our carbon footprint provides a visible and prominent example to our very serious commitment to sustainability,” he said. 

“Ultimately, we hope to get to the point where none of our power is generated through fossil based sources.”

The construction kicked off in Dubbo and will progressively roll out across the four campuses, with an estimated completion date set in March 2019. 

Not just benefiting the university, Mr Maher said the installations across the four campuses will create jobs for local firms. 

“We’re incorporating this into the curriculum and teaching so that students can continue to be exposed in more aspects and fields of study,” he said. 

CSU Green’s energy project officer Gareth Johnston said the expansion will provide nearly $6 million in savings over a conventional power plan. 

“This new solar project means that over 7100 panels will cover over 50 buildings saving over 3000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year over the life of the project compared to emissions-intensive conventional energy,” Mr Johnston said. 

“The annual energy generated is equivalent to that used by around 580 family homes.

“Regional Australia benefits too with local clean energy jobs, reduced energy costs, a cleaner environment due to significant emission reductions, and a stronger grid.”

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