Community
21 March, 2024
Solar powers dairy through cost rises
THE addition of a state-of-the-art solar array and battery storage system could provide relief from rising electricity prices and embrace environmental sustainability for a Glenormiston dairy farm.
Mick and Janet O’Connor, based on their family farm on Wallaces Lane in Glenormiston, recently unveiled a private solar and battery installation.
The array features 100KW solar panels and an advanced battery storage system to harness excess solar energy generated to be used during peak demand.
It is believed the system will result in substantial cost savings for the farm, particularly when electricity prices are at the highest during peak demand.
The 100KW solar panels are also expected to generate more energy than the farm requires, making the property CO2 neutral.
The installation reflects the commitment M and J O’Connor farming have placed on environmental sustainability and responsible stewardship.
Mrs O’Connor said the decision was twofold in hopes of eliminating carbon emissions from the farm while also combating the soaring costs of power.
“We want to prove to other farmers in the area, who are hit with huge and rising power bills each year, how this can work and provide very good return on investments over the long term,” she said.
Agricultural businesses across Australia have sought to utilise renewable energy, in part, because farms would be among the most impacted by the threat of climate change.
While the push for renewable energy is often attributed to the radical fringes of metropolitan political ideology, there has been a significant push in the industry to be leaders of embracing new practices in the hopes of driving positive change while trying to ward against skyrocketing costs for power.
Australian Enviro Projects managing director Matt Harold said the project would see a return on investment in five to seven years, and could signal a new normal practice for agricultural practices to have greater control over operational expenses.
“With our commitment to sustainable solutions and we are excited to unveil our new solar and battery installation,” he said.
“By harnessing the power of the sun and integrating battery storage, we are not only reducing the farms reliance on conventional energy sources but also strategically managing peak demand, ultimately driving down operational costs.”