Largest solar installation at an Australian school powers up
CHALLENGE
Redlands, a leading independent school situated in Cremorne on Sydney's Lower North Shore, regards environmental education and sustainability as key features of the school's commitment to developing young people who can contribute to the world of tomorrow.
At Redlands, students are taught about the importance of greening and conserving the environment through a rich and balanced education program.
The Pre-School to Year 12 co-educational school has implemented a ‘Greening Redlands' program, driven through teachers, students and parents, which has made significant steps towards environmental sustainability.
SOLUTION
As part of the ‘Greening Redlands' program the school engaged Solgen Energy to install a 25 kWh solar electric system - the largest solar installation at any Australian school.
The photovoltaic system installed on the school's multipurpose hall, Redlands House, includes 146 high quality SCHOTT solar modules which are ideally suited to Australia's harsh climate and have been proven to outlast competitors in terms of durability and efficiency.
Solgen Energy worked closely with Redlands from start to finish - from assisting with the funding process, ensuring the installation was fast and hassle-free, and training school staff to get the most from the system.
The Solgen Energy solar solution has a web based monitoring device built into the system to provide school staff with the ability to access real time energy generation statistics, store data and analyse the results. It also enables students to gauge the tangible effects of actions as simple as turning off lights.
BENEFITS
The Solgen Energy solar system at Redlands has provided reduced energy costs for the school, educational outcomes for students and an increased awareness of ‘green energy' in the community.
Key benefits of the solar installation include:
- the generation of approximately 40 Megawatt hours of electricity per annum
- the prevention of about 75 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere per annum - the equivalent of removing 12 cars from the road each year
- the ability to incorporate the system into the school curriculum using the comprehensive monitoring equipment to analyse energy generation results
- the opportunity increase awareness of energy efficiency initiatives in the wider school community
TESTIMONIAL
"Solgen Energy's professional staff provided Redlands with honest advice and quality customer service throughout the entire process. They made it easy for us to achieve immediate benefits including reduced energy costs and the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions, and also the opportunity to educate a new generation of climate change savvy future leaders."
David Lamb, Chief Operating Officer, Redlands
