Picture: Yanni

THE estimated cost of installing solar panels on the yet to be named Rosebud aquatic centre, above, has more than doubled.

The original design called for a 231kW system of solar panels for the centre now being built in Boneo Road, but council last year called for “the maximum number of solar panels possible … whilst maintaining safe roof access and symmetry for aesthetic purposes”.

A 375kW system has now been incorporated into the design, adding $321,450 to the $303,000 cost of solar panels.

A quotation of $624,400 has now been accepted for the expansion of the rooftop solar panels in accordance.

The aquatic centre’s project leader, David Hampton, said the independent contract superintendent, Coffey Project and quantity surveyor Turner and Townsend, recommended council accept the quote from Buxton Constructions to install the expanded solar panel system.

“This is the maximum expansion possible allowing for safe roof access and includes power optimisers and folding safety barriers for future maintenance purposes,” Mr Hampton stated in a report to council’s Tuesday 21 April meeting.

He said the extra cost was “outside of the existing construction budget [but] inclusive of construction contingency allowance”.

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 28 April 2020