Zero Emissions Noosa research shows that businesses which invest in solar regularly report the economic benefits it delivers.
Pomona Laundromat has shown that not only has its new 17kW solar PV system offered economic savings, but it has also benefited the community and brought it one step further on the journey to net zero.
Pomona Laundromat owner, Frank Burkardt says: “I now feed more than double the amount of energy back into the grid than I take out. Unfortunately, the energy companies pay back a fraction of what they charge so I would rather give it back to the community and tourism by offering a free e-bike charging station.”
Frank installed the solar system to offset the laundromat’s carbon emissions with the goal to be carbon neutral.
To date, the system has performed well and has produced more electricity than the laundromat consumes.
The cost to implement the system was a large initial outlay but offers long term savings.
Given the business operates 24 hours a day, Frank’s next step is to invest in a battery system in order to be fully independent from energy suppliers and to go off grid.
Since buying the laundromat business, Frank has installed a 17kW commercial three phase solar system, upgraded to LED lighting, implemented a timer for the TV and ceiling fan so that they are not running the entire 24 hours every day that the laundromat is open, and, installed outside power points for ebike chargers. The chargers are free to use and operational during specific daylight hours only to ensure solar power is used for charging.
“I am hoping that other businesses and maybe our Council will follow my lead.
“Giant Noosa and Spoke N Trail bike shops have already shown interest to provide free chargers to be installed in a vandal-proof enclosure to extend the range of e-bike tours into the Noosa hinterland,” Frank said.
The laundromat’s electricity bills are now around one-third of what they were, carbon emissions from operations are lower and free ebike chargers in Pomona encourage higher ebike tourist traffic from Noosa.
This results in co-benefits for both Frank’s operations and the region’s coastal and hinterland communities.
If Pomona Laundromat’s story inspires you, Frank says: “If anyone wants to follow me, contact me and I’ll show you how to do it.”
For further inspiration to support Noosa’s zero emissions goals, more details and an array of case studies and initiatives are available on the ZEN website. Join ZEN to support our work or help out with our projects at zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au
