Future bright for Highfields Pioneer Village after solar installation

The electricity required to power the 70 historical buildings on the 20 acre property is one of the largest costs the nonprofit faces, but now the village has hope for the future.

Solar panels at the Highfields Pioneer Village.

The installation of solar panels at the Highfields Pioneer Village is set to save the village thousands of dollars each year.

The electricity required to power the 70 historical buildings on the 20 acre property is one of the largest costs the non-profit faces.

Volunteer manager Ray Ashford said the village bill was $5000 per quarter.

“Due of the high costs of electricity, it put the village in an awkward position during the coronavirus outbreak,” he said.

“We had to shut our gates from March to July and the bills were still coming in, and with no gate takings we were in dire straits.”

Highfields Pioneer Village is funded entirely by donations and visitors, with its largest event, the Easter Vintage Festival, bringing in enough visitors to pay a large portion of expenses.

At the Highfields Pioneer Village are Peter Sutrin, Wayne Mann, Ian Bray and Ray Ashford.

COVID-19’s impact put the future of the village at risk with the cancellation of the festival in 2020, and limitations on visitor numbers.

A community grant from Heritage Bank Highfields and Crows Nest Community, via the Progressive Community Crows Nest, offered the village hope.

The grant provided the village with the funds to install a 40kw solar system on one of the buildings, which houses the Queensland Energy Museum.

“With the help of Heritage Bank, it has put us in good stead for the future, and we are back to opening seven days and have restarted our school excursions program,” Mr Ashford said.

Director of Proven Energy, Peter Sutrin, said the 30KW solar system’s REC panels were designed and warranted for 25 years, ensuring long term savings, backed by a Delta inverter with a 15 year warranty, too.

“We are privileged to be able to offer our expertise to this project and support such a great organisation,” he said.

Proven Energy also donated labour and resources during the installation. Suppliers REC Solar, Delta Electronics and Solar Analytics provided additional support for the installation.