May 2012

1000 Solar Roofs in 1000 Days – can we do it?

Imagine being the first town in Australia to have 10% of its rooftops go solar!

On Sunday 5 December, 2010 it will be 1000 days since Alice Springs became a Solar City. Alice Solar City is issuing a challenge to the Alice Springs community to have 1000 roofs go solar in 1000 days. If the town can achieve this, just over 10% of all Alice Springs home or business premises will be running on solar – a first in Australia, for a town of our size! You can go solar for as little as $2000. More 
 

Sustainable Living House Public Open Day

Saturday 5 June, 1pm – 4pm
The Alice Solar City and DesertSmart COOLMob Sustainable Living House in Kurrajong Drive will open to the public again on 5 June. Drop in between 1pm and 4pm to see over 20 great energy and water saving measures at work. Click here to find out more.
 

New interactive touch screen display in Smart Living Centre

How long is it since you have visited the Alice Solar City Smart Living Centre? We have just installed a new touch screen display that is easy to understand and allows you to find out more about Alice Solar City and everything we offer by exploring at your own pace. Visit us at 82 Todd Street, opposite the Civic Centre.
 

More lighting options to try before you buy at Smart Living Centre

We now have over 20 different lighting options which you can switch on and try before you buy at the Smart Living Centre. Confused about LEDs, CFLs and Halogens? We can help you work your way through the pros and cons of each so you can make the right decision for your home or business. Visit us at 82 Todd Street, opposite the Civic Centre.

Alice Solar City two years on

Alice Solar City turned two in March and there is a lot to celebrate.  Click here to see a snapshot of what has happened so far:

Alice Springs Airport going solar!

Alice Springs Airport will soon become the first Australian airport to be powered by a large scale solar power station after works began at the site on 21 April.  The second of Alice Solar City’s five planned ‘Iconic Projects’, after the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the 235kW solar system will deliver 600 Megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity to the Airport which is approximately 28% of its demand. More
 

Alice businesses leading the way in solar initiatives

The first business to install a solar power system this year was Alice Springs Helicopters, with a 5kW photovoltaic system installed on their office building on 2 January. The system will cover an estimated 70% of their annual electricity needs, saving them an estimated $1800 per annum in energy costs, and preventing more than 5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum. 

Find out which other businesses have installed solar or energy efficiency measures with Alice Solar City. Here

On line calculators now available

The Alice Solar City Cost Reflective Tariffs (CRT) package encourages householders to move their electricity consumption from peak times to off-peak periods by adjusting the price charged at certain times each day. A "no worse off safety net" is in place to ensure your bills are not higher than they would have been under the standard domestic tariff. Alice Solar City has a new online calculator to help you work out if you are worse off.  Click here  for more information on the "no worse off safety net"  including how to calculate and claim the rebate or you can go directly to the on-line calculator.

We have also developed a calculator to help you work out if you are eligible for a 10:10 / 20:20 incentive. The 10/10:20/20 incentive rewards residents who reduce their energy use with discounts on electricity bills – see here for more information about the 10:10 / 20:20 initiative including how to calculate and claim your rebate or you can go directly to the on-line calculator.

Guide to reading your electricity bill

Being able to read and understand your electricity bill is an important step in helping you become more energy efficient – ‘information is power’ as they say (pardon the pun!). We know that reading your electricity bill can be confusing, especially if you have installed a solar power system or are participating in the peak and off peak tariff trial. So, we’ve developed some guidance to help you understand your electricity bill – click here.  If it’s still too confusing don’t hesitate to visit the Smart Living Centre, we’d be happy to explain your bill.

Public Tours of the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre

You can take a guided tour over the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre this Saturday at the Desert Knowledge Precinct Open Day, from 9.30am – 1.30pm. See over 15 different solar installations in action. More

You can see how the installations are performing live by visiting www.dkasolarcentre.com.au 

Resources available for loan from Alice Solar City

Customers of Alice Solar City can borrow a range of books, magazines and DVDs covering topics such as climate change, sustainable living, photovoltaics, and renewable energies.  Come into the Smart Living Centre to see the range available.

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