September 4, 2009

Adelaide, Australia: Australia’s Largest Solar Power System Opened

The Hon. Mike Rann, Premier of South Australia, has officially opened Australia’s largest solar power station at the Adelaide Showground.

1 megawatt solar power system at the Adelaide Showground

The 1 megawatt solar power system was installed over six separate buildings and is expected to power around 40% of the Showground’s power needs. Installation of the solar panels and associated systems was managed by building and engineering company Built Environs in partnership with one of Australia’s leading solar power installers, Solar Shop Australia.

The entire project was completed within three months – two and a half months shorter than the original programme.

“Built Environs is very pleased to have worked with Solar Shop Australia in delivering this landmark environmental project for the Showground,” Built Environs Managing Director, Jim Frith, said. “It’s a significant addition to our expanding portfolio of environmental projects, including windfarms and Green Star buildings and interiors.”

Solar Shop Australia’s managing director, Adrian Ferraretto, said that the company is extremely proud to have played an important role in the design and installation of the solar power system.

“Having now installed the largest solar power system in Australia , we are hoping that more Australians will realize the benefits of solar energy and what it can do for the environment,” Mr Ferraretto said “The Showground solar system is expected to produce around 1435 MWh of electricity annually which is enough energy to power around 250 households.

“In addition it will prevent the release of 1400 tonnes of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere annually, which is the equivalent of taking 450 cars off Australian roads,” he said.

The project introduced a number of construction innovations. A special rack-loading system was devised, with the solar panels stacked on pallets, lifted onto the roof by crane and then distributed via trolleys on framing rails. A clip-on extrusion framing system minimised the number of holes that needed to be drilled in the roof. To install the panels, drilling rigs were custom-made for each of the major roofs, while cloth and mesh screens prevented drilling waste from entering the stormwater collection system. All of the work was performed while the Showground remained open to the public.

Further details about: Solar Shop Australia