Another Australian first for Denman Prospect
Denman Prospect will be the first suburb in Australia to have a minimum requirement for solar power on every dwelling, Capital Estate Developments announced today.
“The Building and Design Guidelines for Denman Prospect include the requirement for a 3 kW solar system on each household,” Managing Director Stephen Byron said.
“We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with ActewAGL for a bulk purchase of solar systems to supply the first 350 houses at Denman Prospect.
“The model we are providing is convenient, user friendly and allows families to check their generation via an app over wifi which perfectly complements the connected living residents will enjoy in Canberra’s most remarkable suburb.
“Due to the volume of solar systems being purchased by Denman Prospect we are able to offer these systems to home buyers at around half the cost.”
For the average home, a 3kW system will generate about 4000 kWh of clean electricity, reducing emissions from fossil-fuel power by around 3.7 tonnes a year -about the same as an average Australian car. Based on 7000 kWh typical annual electricity consumption of new 6 star homes and based on current residential tariffs , a 3kW solar system will reduce a homeowner’s annual electricity bill from about $1500 to $1000 – a saving of $500 or one third of the cost. The cost of the system will be repaid in approximately 7-8 years.
“In terms of environmental benefits, every installation will be like taking a car off the road and it will reduce the carbon footprint of the entire suburb by about a third,” Mr Byron said.
“An Australian first, this is a substantial and meaningful commitment to environmental sustainability and follows our commitment to funding from the entire suburb for the Homes for Homes social housing initiative.
“I am pleased the ACT Government has also committed to the Building and Design Guidelines for the first 24 public housing dwellings in Stage 1A that will be created at Denman Prospect, which will help it reach its renewable energy target.
ActewAGL General Manager Retail Ayesha Razzaq said “ActewAGL is pleased to be part of this progressive initiative, where the 350 homes in Denman will generate electricity equivalent to a 1.05MW solar farm.
“I’d like to congratulate Capital Estate Developments for the environmental leadership they have demonstrated through this exciting and innovative development and would encourage other developers to follow. Installing solar panels during the initial building phase provides Denman residents with the perfect opportunity to set themselves up for a renewable energy future. ActewAGL looks forward to delivering high quality solar products along with other energy solutions for the residents of Denman.”
The first public auction of land at Denman Prospect will be held on Saturday 17 October, with an open day on site arranged for registered prospective purchasers only on Saturday 10 October.
Media inquiries: Melissa Evans 0409 629 741