COUNCILLORS will push to scrap the proposed AELEC solar power project with the cost of the $74,000 scheme now factoring as the main argument against the project.
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While it would not be the most expensive solar installation Tamworth Regional Council has bought, a report to councillors estimated it would take more than 10 years to earn back the money in power savings.
Mayor Col Murray was not enamoured with the payback period and could vote against the project.
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“We’re in a volatile energy market now and who knows what might happen in the next 10 years,” Cr Murray told The Leader.
Cr Murray said he had encouraged council to pursue “alternative energy” options in the past and the community expected more to be done.
“I think we are doing some great things, I’m just not quite sure contracting the community’s money over 10 years is an appropriate thing to do,” he said.
Russell Webb said he would call on his fellow councillors to vote against the proposal at Tuesday’s meeting.
He said if solar power did go ahead at AELEC the panels should be installed on the ground, not the roof as currently proposed.
He was also concerned with the payback period and aesthetics.
Cr Webb blocked the initial bid to install solar power at AELEC with fears the panels would tarnish the look of the unique building.
While the 10 year payback period now looms as the primary sticking point in the power project, solar arrays approved for the city library (9.7 years), Dungowan Dam (9.5 years) and the Westdale water treatment plant (9.9 years) have similar terms.
The equine centre solar installation would cost $74,875 and report by council’s sustainability officer, Tim Hurcum, estimated it would save council $7,375 a year on power bills.
The overall cost of the installation grew after it was revealed structural upgrades would be needed to complete the project.
In the last financial year, Tamworth Regional Council paid $156,990 to power the equine centre.