Council’s biggest rooftop solar project on the books
09 April 2025
Huge reductions in cost and emissions will be the benefits of Ipswich City Council’s largest rooftop solar system, installed on Ipswich Central Library.
Environment and Sustainability Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said the construction of a 200-kilowatt system on the Nicholas Street Precinct building is a landmark moment in council’s response to climate change.
“I’m delighted Ipswich Central Library will become the latest council asset to cut energy costs as a result of this project,” Cr Madden said.
“Significant rooftop solar power systems have previously been installed on council’s main administrative building at 1 Nicholas St and Rosewood Library, however this is the biggest so far.
“About 400 solar panels now sit atop Ipswich Central Library and will soon harness the sun’s power to produce more than 270 megawatts of energy per year, reducing council’s carbon footprint by an estimated 230 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
“This will also give council an estimated yearly saving of $29,000 on energy costs.
“I would like to thank the Federal Government for funding this project through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 4.”
Cr Madden said environmental sustainability must remain a focus for council as Ipswich's population rapidly grows.
“Ipswich residents rightly expect us to ensure our city remains a great place to live for future generations,” Cr Madden said.
“Our Sustainability Strategy 2021-2026 outlines council’s role as a community leader in implementing sustainability practices that will improve quality of life and liveability for our residents.
“For example, the solar panel project at our 1 Nicholas St building is providing an $11,000 per year saving on council’s power bill and preventing 77 tonnes of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere.
“Other previous initiatives include reducing the carbon footprint of running over 29,000 streetlights with wind-powered energy thanks to an agreement with local company CleanCo.
“We also replaced more than 600 lights at Ipswich Art Gallery with energy-efficient LED alternatives.
“These initiatives align with our vision for Ipswich to be a cleaner and greener city.
“I look forward to the Ipswich Central Library solar power system coming online as the installation is finalised in the coming weeks.”