Townsville Solar Stadium to be Cities Largest Solar Project

Work will start early in 2012 on Townsville’s largest solar project with the installation of more than 1600 solar panels on the Townsville Solar RSL Stadium roof, Energy Minister Stephen Robertson announced today.

Mr Robertson said the solar panels will cover 90 per cent of the stadium roof space and will also be installed on shade structures built in the car park.

“The solar panels will produce around 335kWh of electricity, enough to supply somewhere between two thirds and all of the daytime use of the stadium, or up to half of the daily use,” Mr Robertson said.

Funding for the $2 million iconic solar system will come from the Townsville Solar City project, part of the Australian Government’s $94 million Solar Cities program, which is also supported by the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council.

Mr Robertson who was touring Townsville today congratulated Townsville City Council on its vision to create one of Australia’s low carbon cities and the Ergon Energy Townsville Solar City team who would be leading the project.

“As well as producing enough power to supply 66 homes, the project will provide an opportunity to test new reactive power technology for management of the low voltage network,” he said.

“Design of the solar PV system has already begun and construction is expected to start in January 2012.

“The project will be completed in April/May next year and will include a dynamic display inside the main foyer of the building.”

Member for Townsville Mandy Johnstone said Ergon Energy is trialling a number of projects in Townsville to test customer engagement and network compatibility with “smart grid” technology in preparation for future network requirements.

“The projects, collectively referred to as the Energy Sense Communities program, aim to find alternative energy solutions to better manage rising electricity demand and defer investment in the electricity network,” she said.

The range of initiatives includes demand management techniques, solar power, energy storage, network automation, smart customer appliances and community engagement programs.

by viewnews.com.au

The Author

Darryn Van Hout

I developed an interest in the Australian energy and construction sectors more than a decade ago and have since closely followed the trends, technologies and developments shaping both industries. My involvement in the Australian solar market began in 2008, and over the years I have built strong connections with professionals, businesses and organisations across the construction, solar and renewable energy sectors in Australia and internationally. These connections include solar panel and inverter manufacturers, electrical and construction industry professionals, software developers creating tools to quote, monitor and manage solar power systems, and media organisations that closely follow developments across energy, construction and renewable technologies. Today, I continue to contribute as an industry advocate, author and commentator, sharing practical insights and information to help Australian consumers and businesses better understand solar power, energy technologies, construction-related developments and the changing Australian energy landscape.