Adelaide Now recently reported that Adelaide Council, under the Solar City initiative, is embracing solar panel technology, with the announcement that six centres in the Adelaide suburb of Salisbury will be fitted out with solar panels.
The community centres offer education programs, training and employment, a social meeting place, and recreational and exercise classes.
The Bagster Road, Burton, Morella, Paddocks, Pooraka Farm and Salisbury East community centres will have the solar panels installed for over $130,000 through the local council's budget, and the project will be completed by this time next year.
Each community centre spends approximately $9,000 a year on electricity costs, so with the installation of solar panels huge saving opportunities are possible.
Another location in Adelaide that is embracing solar technology is the Fullarton Road building. This is covered in 150 solar panels giving the appearance of a dark glass – a great option for large glass commercial buildings.
The South Australian capital is trying to get smart about how best to use its resources. The sun gives Adelaide both challenges and opportunities with its immense heat.
February saw seven days with a temperature over 35 degrees, adding to concern that with rising electricity prices there would be the potential for heat-related deaths resulting from unaffordable home cooling costs during the summer.
Dr Sharley, President of the South Australian branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) said to Miles Kemp of Adelaide Now, that the death toll from heat-related deaths would rise from 75 to at least 100 by 2030.
"There are older people who cannot afford to keep their air conditioning running and I actually think these figures are conservative if (electricity price rises) keep going," Dr Sharley said.
Solar power could help alleviate the wallet strain, by lowering power bills allowing residents to run systems such as air conditioning.
Posted by Mike Peacock