Hills District Independent August 2020 #62 August 2020 | Page 17

LIFE & STYLE Skyline Solar and AusTimber together cuts more than just hardwood Buy One, Get Sun FREE with Vanessa Wilson Skyline Solar It is times like these that businesses are more than ever looking at creative ways to work more efficiently. AusTimber, a 50-year veteran timber milling business located in Box Hill, teamed up with Skyline Solar to work out how they can not only reduce their operating expenses, but also reduce their impact on the environment. With an emphasis on locals supporting each other, both companies spent many months working out the best way forward for AusTimber to achieve its goals in the solar space. Paul Conlon, Director of AusTimber, initially trialled a smaller solar and battery system that was installed on his office building. After 12 months and seeing the results it had to the quarterly electricity consumption, Paul teamed up with Luke Spicer, Skyline Solar’s Managing Director, to design a whopping 100kw system to be installed right on top of the milling warehouse. This large area offered prime real estate to accommodate 312 Suntech Split cell all black solar panels. At the completion of the project Luke caught up with Paul to ask him a few questions about the collaboration and the project. Luke: Paul, tell us why you decided to have a solar system installed at your business? Paul: Due to solar technology being available, I would rather my business use this rather than fossil fuel. Luke: What were the three most important things you looked for in a solar contractor? Paul: Reliability was a key point, along with a long-term history of trading in the solar industry. Also, a solid business location with an upstanding reputation and knowledge of solar products Luke: How did you find the process from start to finish? Paul: The design stage was a big part of the process; I signed the contract and the install and paperwork were all undertaken by Skyline. They updated me at every stage it was a very painless process, especially with running a business myself Luke: What would you say to other businesses about the importance of adopting sustainability programs? Paul: To think about our next generation and to limit the mess and Paul Conlon Director of AusTimber, (L) and Luke Spicer, Skyline Solar’s Managing Director (R) working together. burden for years to come. Luke: How important is it to your company to support local business? Paul: This is my second installation with Skyline Solar. I was searching for a local Australian owned business to support, with the peace of mind that they are close by should any issues ever arise. PROJECT OVERVIEW 100kw installation included 2 x SMA Australia CORE-50 roof mounted inverters matched with 312 x Suntech Australia 320w all black panels. The panels were installed with the seamless look on Clenergy Australia #hollywoodracking and system monitoring is carried out by Solar Analytics Installation took a few weeks and there was no disruption to the business If your business or home is investigating creative ways to be more efficient, have a chat with us. Perhaps you are wanting to cut your quarterly electricity bill whilst reducing your carbon footprint, just like Paul at AusTimber. Make sure you reach out to the experienced team at Skyline Solar or come visit us in our showroom where our experts can take you through an interactive look at which system is the best fit for you. We are located at 5/317 Windsor Road, Vineyard. Call us on 1300 759 765 or visit www.skylinesolar.com.au for more information. AusTimber is a 50-year-old veteran timber milling business in Box Hill. Your Local Residential and Commercial Solar Power Specialist Since 2010 1300 759 765 317 Windsor Road, Vineyard www.skylinesolar.com.au Lic No. 263893C THE HILLS INDEPENDENT www.hdinews.com.au ISSUE 62 // AUGUST 2020 17