A major Tasmanian solar installation will help the state reach its ambitious goal of 100 per cent renewable energy by 2022.

Because it’s one of Tasmania’s largest commercial solar power projects, it could also help the state achieve another target. The Liberal Government is aiming to have the lowest regulated electricity prices in Australia.

The 831 KW solar energy system in northern Tasmania has 2,546 solar PV panels. It will subsequently generate more than one million kilowatt hours per year, enough to power around 143 homes.

The solar installation is designed to meet the electricity needs of Tasmanian transport company SRT Logistics. The business hopes to halve its electricity bills.

The power will be delivered across two SRT distribution centres in Launceston and Devonport.

Feed in tariff review to cut Tassie energy prices

The state government is also reviewing Tasmania’s solar feed-in tariffs (FiTs) to help lower electricity costs for households and small businesses.

According to Minister for Energy Guy Barnett, large commercial customers like SRT Logistics will be unaffected by any changes in FiT. This is because their pricing arrangements are negotiated on a separate commercial basis.

The review is designed to increase uptake of solar panels. Solar energy is seen as a vital part of Tasmania’s clean energy capacity.

Tasmanian solar installation part of ‘Battery of the Nation’

Hydro Tasmania created the ‘Battery of the Nation’ plan as a blueprint for Tasmania’s renewable energy future.

Supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), the plan includes development of wind farms, hydro electric power plants and pumped hydro energy storage.

It would also involve a new connection between Tasmania and the mainland. This would allow renewable energy generation in the Apple Isle to back up the entire nation’s energy supply.

Hydro Tasmania’s figures show pumped hydro could generate 4,800 MW of capacity across 14 sites.

Meanwhile, Tasmania’s largest solar farm is supplying energy to the state grid. Wesley Vale Solar Farm will also help farmers on the north-west coast offset their energy bills.

Because the north-west coast enjoys plenty of summer sunshine without intense heat, it is an ideal candidate for solar power installations.