The innovative Solar City program has reached a solar milestone, with 100 kilowatts of renewable energy now being generated by the Townsville: Queensland Solar City project.

Continuing the transformation of Magnetic Island into the Magnetic Island Solar Suburb, almost 50 grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have been installed at homes and businesses.

Solar City Manager Ian Cruickshank said with 300 days of sunshine on average each year, Magnetic Island was the perfect location for the project.

“Each of the solar PV systems has the capacity to produce eight kilowatt hours of power each day for the electricity grid,” Mr Cruickshank said.

“This clean, renewable energy is also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with a targeted reduction of around 50,000 tonnes over the life of the Solar City project.”

The Townsville: Queensland Solar City project is part of the Australian Government’s $94 million Solar Cities Program – a visionary energy initiative bringing together industry, business, governments and communities to re-think the way they produce, consume and conserve energy.

More than 220 free energy assessments have been carried out on Magnetic Island to show people how a few simple adjustments can create a cleaner, greener environment and also save money.

Members of the community can find out more about the Townsville: Queensland Solar City project by visiting the Smart Lifestyle Centre at Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island.

The Centre has a range of information on how to save electricity, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as a range of energy efficiency displays.