Great Barrier Local Board has adopted a solar-powered system for the council facilities at Claris in an important step towards cleaner, greener living.
Solar power will fully run the service centre, local board office, dentist and morgue, and will provide back-up power for the health centre.
The system cost just under $300,000 and was paid for by Auckland Council’s One Local Initiative fund.
The solar panels will provide a cleaner and more renewable system for the buildings, which until now had been powered by diesel generators.
The aim is for solar to provide 100 per cent of the energy needs of the offices from day one, but the generators will remain in case they are needed.
Great Barrier Local Board Chair Izzy Fordham said it was the board’s vision for Great Barrier to be a world leader in alternative renewable technology and to celebrate living off the grid.
“This system is an important step closer to that vision. It was vital to stop relying on fossil fuels to power our offices and surrounding buildings,” she said.
Great Barrier Island has no reticulated power grid or any plans to join the national network.
There will also be an electric vehicle for the island and an electric bike.
The project will be launched at a public ribbon cutting ceremony on April 5 with Mayor Phil Goff and Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore in attendance.
All are welcome to attend between 9.30am and 11am.
