By Patrick Avenell

SYDNEY, NSW: Solar panel specialists and noted Panthers enthusiasts Sanyo has today announced the completion of Australia’s largest commercially funded solar panel installation. The new set up is based at FCMG monolith Johnson & Johnson’s head office in Sydney’s beautiful North Ryde business centre.

According to the release, Johnson & Johnson spent more than $1 million on this 952-panel installation, which is reportedly going to reduce the company’s energy costs by 10 per cent.

If the magnitude of this announcement can be judged by the number of people happy to be quoted applauding it, than this is big, big news.

First up is Sanyo group manager, environmental, Paul Reeves.

“Using HIT solar cells enables organisations to obtain maximum power generation per square metre,” Reeves said. “With more power per square metre, incorporating Sanyo modules into clean energy solutions for homes, businesses or public facilities also means fewer rooftop modules are required, something that saves rooftop space and installation time which in turn saves money.”

Also happy is Johnson & Johnson Medical VP for ANZ, Namal Nawana.

“As a company, we are looking for ways we can proactively make a positive contribution to our community and the environment,” he said. “We are undertaking these initiatives because we believe they are the right thing to do and they form part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies’ global commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.”

Congratulating Johnson & Johnson on this announcement is Andy Ridley, the co-founder of Earth Hour.

"Earth Hour calls for individuals, communities, governments and businesses to be leaders in making a difference to climate change,” said Ridley. “By installing the largest commercially-funded solar installation in Australia, Johnson & Johnson Medical is demonstrating the key leadership we need across business and industry for us to secure a sustainable future for the planet."

Although not quoted, Johnson & Johnson reported that Lower House MPs Greg Combet and Maxine McKew were both involved in the launch.