Solar having positive impact on EGHS electricity costs

Solar energy is saving East Grampians Health Service more than $80,000 per year in electricity costs following the implementation of solar projects over the past five years.

EGHS consumes a large amount of electricity to run its operations.

To be more environmentally sustainable and mitigate the financial impact, EGHS installed an extensive 315kW roof top solar panel project between December 2019 and July 2020, with the help of funds bequeathed by the late Joe Kapp, and a further 177kW in June 2022 as part of the EGHS car park development, funded through $650,000 provided by the State Government and with support from Ballarat Renewable Energy and Zero Emissions (BREAZE).

In total, 1322 solar panels were installed across rooftops and the carpark at the Ararat and Willaura campuses.

EGHS Director of Finance Tony Roberts said the 2023 financial year was the first full year that all of EGHS’ solar projects were online together.

“In total, the solar system produced 561 megawatt hours of electricity that was used by EGHS in its operations,” he said.

Mr Roberts said that compared to the base year of 2018-2019, when EGHS had no solar panels, net consumption of electricity from the grid had decreased by a calculated 751 megawatt hours or 33% per annum.

“These additional savings have come from other initiatives such as LED lights, more efficient air conditioning and creating a culture that is mindful about the way we use energy,” he said.

“When taken together, these factors are saving the organisation a calculated $80,000 plus per year. We want to build on these savings into the future and are now looking at battery storage options.”

Pictured are just a portion of the 1322 solar panels installed at both the Ararat and Willaura campuses of East Grampians Health Service.