Antinuclear

Solar energy a winner for homes in Caloundra and Iswich, Queensland

Caloundra and Ipswich tops for solar: Energex  Tony Moore BRISBANETIMES.COM.AU  SENIOR REPORTER, 13 June 14  The retirees, holiday makers and young families of Caloundra and the working class city of Ipswich have Southeast Queensland’s highest proportion of solar systems according to a breakdown of Energex data.

The breakdown from Energex figures shows some remarkable variations from conventional thinking.

There are fewer solar systems in West End (295), Highgate Hill (210) and South Brisbane (70), than in Inala (982) or Durack (645).

There are more in Carindale (1523)  and Rochedale South (1465) than in Premier Campbell Newman’s home suburb of Ashgrove (691).

Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls sparked a massive outcry last week when he described some solar energy users as part of the “champagne sippers and the latte set.”

Jeremy Rich, from one of Australia’s longest-running solar energy companies, Energy Matters, said Mr Nicholls’ comments were simply wrong. “It is obvious those statements are emotional statements, without looking at the data,” Mr Rich said. “Because when you look at the data it shows that it is totally the opposite,” he said. “It is the low to middle income areas of Australia that are hurting the most.”

Their company data is similar to the Energex breakdown, showing a major interest in solar energy in Ipswich, Capalaba, Browns Plains and Cleveland in four of the top five spots.

Central Ipswich – home to Swanbank power station – has 50 per cent solar energy penetration, Mr Rich said.

Ipswich homes under the postcode of 4305 – including the suburbs from Raceview through to Brassall – have 5197 solar installations.

Caloundra’s postcode of 4551 – including Caloundra, Caloundra West, Currimundi and Dickey Beach –  has 6311 solar installations up to May 2014………

A quick top 10 of Energex’s solar hot spots and their postcodes are:

1: Caloundra 4551: 6311 solar installations

2: Ipswich central east 4305: 5197 solar installations from Raceview to Brassall

3: Advancetown/Gold Coast hinterland  4211: solar 4941 installations

4:  Buderim 4556: 4379 solar installations

5: Beenleigh 4207: 4363  solar installations

6: Bray Park 4500: 3931 solar installations

7: Ipswich south-west 4300: Goodna/Camira to Springfield: 3930 solar installations

8: Amberley, Barellan Point and Blacksoil 4306: 3910 solar installations

9:  Mt Cotton and Redland Bay 4165: 3810 solar installations

10:  Gympie and its surrounds 4570: 3678 solar installations.  http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/caloundra-and-ipswich-tops-for-solar-energex-20140612-zs66n.html#ixzz34fZsRL6G

June 14, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Queensland, solar