The Sunshine State’s public housing system will reap the rewards of clean energy with the government calling for tenders for a Queensland solar rooftop scheme.
The Queensland Government issued expression of interest requests related to a program for 3-6 MW of solar power capacity installed on 2,000 to 4,000 public housing units in Cairns and Rockhampton.
Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said Queensland is known as the Sunshine State for good reason.
“There are already many people in Cairns who own their home who enjoy the benefits of rooftop solar,” Mr Crawford said.
“This EOI is another step toward giving eligible tenants in government owned housing in Cairns the opportunity to also receive cheaper power from solar and contribute to growing the renewables industry in Queensland.
“We’re seeking expressions of interest from partners who can supply, install and maintain solar PV systems for a preferred contractor panel, with successful applicants invited to tender later this year.”
Solar energy for our most vulnerable citizens
Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said public housing residents include some of the most vulnerable in the state.
“This project will allow for reduced electricity bills for vulnerable customers who cannot afford or have access to solar PV systems,” Mr de Brenni said.
“Through this trial, government can also develop a workable model for the private rental sector, creating opportunities for every Queenslander to enjoy cheaper electricity while helping to grow the state’s renewable energy sector.”
Queensland solar rooftop: Opportunities for solar businesses
Mr de Brenni said the installation of solar panels would offer opportunities for local businesses.
“More broadly, the two solar public housing trials may well result in opportunities to install rooftop solar on the homes of renters.”
The Queensland government says it carried out a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the state’s public housing stock for the solar trial.
Data from the first year will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits and determine if the business models are viable.
The scope of the work for each discipline covered under the EOI includes, but is not limited to:
- Supply of Solar PV Materials
- Design and Installation of Solar PV Systems
- Maintenance of Solar PV Systems
- Cleaning of Solar PV Systems
- Quality Assurance of Solar PV Systems
