Australia’s first solar-powered suburb switches on

Rooftops with solar panels with trees in background (households)
Image: Shutterstock

Australia’s first solar-powered suburb in the ACT has flicked on the switch.

The first solar system has been switched on in the new suburb of Denman Prospect, marking an exciting advancement in the ACT’s energy future.

A partnership between Capital Estate Developments (CED) and ActewAGL Retail, Denman Prospect is the first Australian suburb to have a minimum requirement for solar power on every dwelling.

While 350 homes will initially be installed as part of Stage 1A, eventually, more than 4000 homes in Denman will have 3kW solar systems installed, as a minimum. The emission reductions will be equivalent to taking 4000 cars off the road.

Each home will also save around $500 a year in electricity costs.

ActewAGL General Manager Retail Ayesha Razzaq said it was a really exciting milestone.

“Turning on the first solar system in Australia’s first solar-powered suburb puts the ACT ahead of the nation in terms of progressive developments like Denman,” Ayesha said.

“Denman is a showcase of what will become the new normal. Giving the customer control of generating, managing and using their own energy is the way of the future and we are excited to continue to find ways to partner with our customers to do this.”

CED managing director Stephen Byron said the company’s partnership with ActewAGL has set a new precedent for future housing developments in Australia.

“The installation of 3kW systems in 350 homes will generate electricity equivalent to a 1.05MW solar farm. It’s a win-win for the homeowners at Denman Prospect and for our clean Canberra environment,” Stephen said.

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