• Sunshine Coast Solar farm

EPC:
Downer Utilities Australia Pty Ltd

Location:
Queensland, Australia

System Type:
Ground Mounted

Size:
15 MW

Modules:
57,000 Trina Solar Duomax PEG14 315W modules

Output:
38.9 GWh/annum

CO2 Savings:
11,000 tonnes/year

Commercial Operation Date:
April, 2017

Download the Trina Solar factsheet

The Sunshine Coast Council in Queensland Australia is the country’s first local government to offset 100 percent of its electricity consumption across all its facilities and operations through its solar farm. The 15 megawatt (MW) farm will provide the Council up to $22 million in savings.

SITUATION

The Sunshine Coast Council plans to become Australia’s most sustainable region by offsetting 100 percent of its electricity consumption from green energy. This will encompass all the electrical needs of administration buildings, aquatic centres, community and performance venues, as well as holiday parks, libraries, art galleries and sporting facilities.

The project was undertaken by Downer Utilities Australia Pty Ltd who chose Trina Solar photovaltic (PV) solar panel modules for the solar farm. As the country’s fifth largest farm, the project is instrumental in helping the region transition into a clean energy economy.

PRODUCT SOLUTION

Trina Solar supplied 57,000 pieces of Duomax PEG14 315W modules. Built on 24 hectares in Valdora the site is exposed to high winds and extreme weather conditions such as cyclones. To mitigate this, the Duomax module was selected as its robust mechanical properties was built to withstand extreme weather and it is resistant to sand, acid and alkali.

The Duomax module has consistently topped industry performances with its series of comprehensive product and system certificates that ensure reliability and quality. Its warranty fulfils the 30-year lifespan planned for the farm.

As one of the first projects in Australia to be delivered at the 1500v rating system, the launch of the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is a milestone for the country’s utility industry.

RESULTS

At its peak, the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm will generate 15,000 kilowatts of electricity from the sun. The electricity generated over one year is enough to power about 5,000 homes. This will save the Council up to $22 million, after costs, over a 30-year period based on today’s cost of electricity.