Toyota Australia to switch on Victoria’s largest solar panel roof system

The system, which Toyota claims will significantly reduce its carbon footprint, is the largest roof-mounted solar panel system in Victoria.

The 500kW system comprises 2000 solar panels and covers approximately 10,000m² of roof space on the Altona plant’s engine shop.

The system, partially funded by the Federal Government, took five months to complete and from tomorrow will generate enough energy to meet the needs of 200 average residential households.

Toyota Australia president Dave Buttner said he was looking forward to flicking the switch on the solar panel system after 12 months of planning and installation.

“As a manufacturer we acknowledge that we are a high-energy user, which is why Toyota globally is committed to leading the way with environmental research and technologies,” Buttner said.

“We are still building cars and engines in Australia until the end of 2017 so it is important that we continue to engage in new programs that minimise our carbon footprint.

“The solar panel system will not only assist us in reducing energy consumption, but it will also improve our already strong environmental performance and reduce our electricity costs over the next few years.”

Toyota enjoys a strong image of environmental awareness in Australia. Earlier this year it celebrated the sale of its 50,000^th hybrid vehicle, making it the country’s leading hybrid seller by far.