Logan City Council has combined solar power and Tesla Powerpack to clean the city’s water supply.
The South-East Queensland council recently installed the first off-grid system powered by Tesla Powerpack products in Australia for any commercial application.
The project has already delivered the Logan City Council a capital cost saving of $1.9 million and operational cost savings valued at almost $50,000 per year.
The Tesla-supported micro-power grid and electro-chlorinator will provide around the clock solar-power to help maintain local drinking water quality 24 hours a day.
Up to 200,000 people will benefit from the solution by the time the region is fully developed.
Logan prepares for rapid growth with solar
City of Logan Mayor Luke Smith said innovation was high on Council’s agenda. Council was also committed to leading by example and turning words into action, he said.
The 20 megalitre Round Mountain Reservoir was brought into service in 2014. It provides drinking water for residents in Flagstone, Yarrabilba, North Maclean, Spring Mountain and Woodhill.
“This is set to be one of the fastest growing areas in South-East Queensland over the next two decades,” Mayor Smith said.
“But with that growth comes the issue of building assets larger than are needed right now. We decided there was a need for a dedicated water chlorination station at the reservoir.”
In addition, the reservoir is not connected to the main electricity grid, making solar power a logical solution, Mayor Smith said.
Commercial use of Tesla Powerpack: first of its kind
According to Council, the project is the first off-grid commercial solar battery system in Australia powered by Tesla Powerpack. The project also showcases the growing potential for Australian assets to achieve energy security through solar power and battery technology.
The project also showcases the growing potential for Australian assets to achieve energy security through solar and battery technology.
The electro-chlorinator is powered by 323 solar panels and a 95kWh capacity Tesla Powerpack. Consequently, it will help provide quality water to Logan 24 hours a day.
The installation comes as commercial power prices soar and homeowners increasingly struggle to pay their bills.
However, improvements in battery technology and solar now help to reduce electricity costs and encourage self-reliance.
