September 2010

Energy Champion of the Month

The Alice Motor Inn is our feature business this month, having nearly halved their electricity consumption per guest. Read more

Funding opportunities

Alice Solar City commercial funding now available for up to 50% of costs. Contact us!

ecoBiz NT - up to 50% funding for energy efficiency improvements

Retooling for Climate Change - up to 50% funding for manufacturing businesses

More Case Studies

Browse our selection of Case Studies of Alice Springs businesses who are slashing their power bills.

In Other Energy News

Samsung aims to cut greenhouse impact by 50%

Solar makes business sense for Johnson & Johnson

Cut worldwide electricity use by 10%? A bright idea

Cundall constructs sun shield on high rise

Tech Talk

Visit our Tips page for energy saving ideas for your business

Which solar technology is best for Alice Springs? Check out the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre

Can wall to ceiling glazing be energy efficient? Here's one point of view

Can tinting cause glass to break?

Upcoming Events

October 2010: the next Alice Solar City commercial PV funding round will close in late October.

23rd November 2010: Alice Solar City will host Business at Sunset.

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Welcome

Welcome to our latest update for commercial customers.

The past few months have been a busy and exciting period for the Alice Solar City commercial program, with a number of energy efficiency and solar projects being completed. Browse through this newsletter to learn more. See which Alice Springs businesses are becoming energy champions, read about our new, free 30 minute Solar Checkup service, get some energy saving tips you can implement today and learn about all the funding available for your business.

Our commercial program is still open to new customers, including funding for commercial PV systems. Please do contact me to discuss how we can help your organisation become an energy champion.

We hope that you find this newsletter interesting, informative - and inspirational!

Sam Latz
Commercial Services Manager

Business PV funding round opening soon

Alice Solar City is looking for 4 to 5 quality business solar PV projects to support in the 2011 financial year, with up to 50% funding available.

Are you considering a solar installation of 5 to 10kW, as part of reducing energy costs and improving energy efficiency in your business? Read more

Business Solar Power punching above its weight

You may be noticing solar panels popping up on the roofs of business premises all around Alice Springs. Since launching in March 2008, Alice Solar City has assisted with the installation of over 200kW of solar PV systems on 24 businesses, and over 500kW on 270 houses.

Combined with Crowne Plaza's 305kW system, there is now over 1 megawatt of panels producing clean energy on the Alice Springs grid. It's a huge leap forward from the 2 solar power systems operating 2 years ago! Click here to find out which Alice Springs businesses have gone solar.

Free 30 Minute Business Solar Checkup

With the price of solar power having reduced considerably in the past two years, now is a great time to look at solar power for your business. Some Alice Springs businesses are generating up to 100% of their power needs with solar. But is solar right for your business?

It can be difficult to know where to start, and we appreciate your business time is precious, so Alice Solar City is now offering a free 30 Minute "Solar Checkup" service to all businesses in Alice Springs.

Email Sam Latz now to book in a time or call on 8950 4352.

Desert Palms heats up energy savings

The Desert Palms resort has recently completed a major hot water efficiency project, replacing 54 inefficient electric hot water services with 27 Quantum heat pump hot water systems. These systems are expected to save over 60% of water heating costs, and reduce peak demand by 160kW. Read more

Alice Springs Airport lighting upgrade

 Along with their highly visible solar power system on Rogervale Drive (which is currently being commissioned) the Alice Springs Airport has been undergoing lots of energy efficiency upgrades behind the scenes inside the Terminal.

With the funding support of Alice Solar City, the project included such actions as replacing 600 lights with high efficiency fluorescent replacements, and installing 60 occupancy sensors to automatically turn lights off. The project is expected to save $15,000 per annum and avoid 40 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum. Another energy champion in Alice Springs! 

Airconditioning efficiency training a success

Twenty four airconditioning and energy management professionals recently attended a training course facilitated by Alice Solar City. Presented by an industry expert, the course focused on how to achieve energy efficiency improvements through better airconditioning maintenance.

Airconditioning in large facilities is one of the biggest users of energy in Alice Springs, so it is imperative that they are maintained effectively to ensure best cost operation and longevity. Read More to find out who attended, and a case study of effective airconditioning management.