General News
14 September, 2023
Solar trial powers up Dunolly
Dunolly’s upcoming flagship festival is all set to be powered by solar energy following the success of an off-grid event last week. Setting the stage for October, a one of its kind fundraiser event, organised at the Dunolly Golf Club on September...

Dunolly’s upcoming flagship festival is all set to be powered by solar energy following the success of an off-grid event last week.
Setting the stage for October, a one of its kind fundraiser event, organised at the Dunolly Golf Club on September 10, was run entirely off four 200 watt solar panels connected to a 10 kilowatt inverter with a 16.8 kilowatt-hour lithium battery.
The system was loaned to the show’s organisers by Greenbank Solar Australia, a company that specialises in a range of solar products, and the set-up is now expected to also power the town’s popular and much bigger upcoming music festival and Gold Rush festival’s woodworking display — with both events running in conjunction.
“It will be run on solar, it’ll be powered totally by the sun,” Dunolly Gold Rush Festival organiser Brian Phillips said.
“Renewable energy is just so important. This is the first time we’ll be doing this but it’s a great opportunity for the town — we’ll be showcasing the fact that we’re innovative.
“I’m very proud that we’re able to do this because the fundraiser was such a big success.”
Mr Phillips, who currently lives off the grid, said it was convenient to embrace more sustainable options going forward.
“Greenbank’s system is the way of the future,” he said.
“These enclosures, with the battery, inverter and panels, are so powerful, I mean we powered a rock and roll concert with it.
“I think people should see if it suits them and if it does they could easily take it up.”
The 2023 Dunolly Gold Rush and Music Festival will run over the weekend of October 21-22 — with more details about the program expected to be released over the coming weeks.