Solar panels to supply nearly a fifth of BALC’s power

THE Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre (BALC) is taking a major step toward sustainability with the installation of 368 solar panels on its 50m pool roof next month.

The panels will generate around 260MW/h of energy annually, meeting up to 18 per cent of BALC’s annual electricity needs.

The City of Ballarat, which owns and operates BALC, has contributed $220,000 to the solar installation this summer, with the project expected to deliver a return on investment within approximately five years.

Open seven days a week with an annual attendance of more than 700,000 patrons, the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre is also one of the largest energy users in Ballarat.

City of Ballarat mayor Tracey Hargreaves highlighted the importance of investing in clean energy for the centre.

“BALC is a vital space where locals of all ages come together to stay active and connected,” Cr Hargreaves said. “This investment means BALC can harness solar energy to support its electricity needs while reducing its environmental footprint.”

Manager of aquatic and leisure services at BALC, Gerald Dixon, welcomed the installation, describing it as part of a broader transition.

“Transitioning to clean energy is not only great for the environment, it’s also using smarter and more efficient technology to power the centre,” he said.

“Over the next two years, we’ll also move to electric heat pumps to eliminate our reliance on gas, and this solar project is a key step in supporting that transition.”

Installation is scheduled to begin in early February, with minimal disruption to services expected during the works.