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FRIDAY 22 MAY, 2009 | |

Australia's First Solar Powered Carbon Neutral Resort

by Energy Matters     

Hidden Valley Cabins is Australia’s first fully carbon neutral resort and tour business; powered by solar energy. The official opening of the Solar Eco Cabins was held last month and is the fruit of the McLennan family’s endeavours in eco-friendly business for over two decades.
 
The resort generates all of its own renewable energy and has avoided 78 tonnes of CO2 emissions and  26 000 L of diesel generator fuel per year. For the little amount of emissions they are unable to address at this point in time, such as from LPG gas the resort uses for hot water and cooking, carbon offsets are purchased.
 
The complex includes an  Interpretative Centre where visitors can learn more about the solar technology used to power the resort. According to Ecotourism Australia,  Hidden Valley have also recently achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification.
 
Hidden Valley began their off grid solar power journey in 2000 with a 3000-watt power inverter, 2 x 24 volt battery banks, with inverters for powering larger electrical appliances, 3 x 12 volt battery banks for lighting and 4 x 80 watt solar panels. The initial system only allowed enough power for the farm.
 
Hidden Valley Cabins new off grid solar power system was funded in part by the Australian Federal Government's Renewable Remote Power Generation Scheme; which provides up to 50% rebate on equipment for residential and commercial off-grid systems. The system consists of 12 KVA inverter and 90 x 130 watt solar panels delivering 120 volts DC into 60 x 2 volt 1660 AH deep cycle batteries.

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