Scouts recycle Telstra's old solar panels

Stephen Withers
Friday, 01 August 2008 12:32

Science - Energy

Scouts Australia has received an environmentally sound 100th anniversary gift - doubly so, as the 500 solar panels and 245 regulators presented by Telstra are recycled equipment.

The gear will be used to power campsite lighting and - in a nod to the donor - to recharge mobile phones and MP3 players (don't mention the iPod!).

"One of the 10 Scout Laws is 'A Scout Cares for the Environment,'" said Victorian Chief Commissioner Bob Taylor.

"Solar panels have been sparingly used in the past by some Troops, but Telstra's donation will boost their use through the Scouting Movement," he added.

"Solar power is a better choice for the environment - it's also cheaper and much safer."

Telstra has been using solar panels for around 30 years to power exchanges, radio terminals, mobile base stations, satellite communications, remote payphones and even remote home and business phones.

"Telstra is Australia's biggest user of solar energy and this donation has been made possible due to upgrades in Telstra's infrastructure nationally," said Telstra network & technology executive director Michael Lawrey.

"We chose Scouts Australia because we feel their approach of helping young people become wise stewards of the environment, through their many projects, is to be applauded and supported."

Scouts Australia was formed in 1908, the same year that founder Robert Baden-Powell published his book "Scouting for Boys." The movement claims more than 28 million members worldwide, with around 60,000 in Australia.

The Australian government has declared 2008 to be the Year of the Scout.