NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CHALLENGE
In November 2010, Solgen Energy provided North Sydney Council with a proposal for the supply, design, installation and connection of a photovoltaic system at the Council Chambers Building. The objectives of the Council in opting for a photovoltaic system were:
-
Demonstrate commitment to sustainability through innovative on-the-ground works that will engage and educate the community
-
Improve the sustainability performance of North Sydney Council and the local community
-
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the increased use of renewable energy options
-
Install and commission the system as designed utilising components and work methodologies that result in optimal safety and system output both at the time of installation and well into the future
-
Demonstrate value for money from the funding allocated
SOLUTION
Our approach in arriving at the recommended solar electric system was based on utilising the available roof space in a most effective manner and meeting budgetary constraints of Council.
The Council Chambers has a North West facing roof of over 300sqm, which was suitable for the installation of a solar system. As the roof is constructed from reinforced concrete and covered with a waterproofing membrane a non-penetrating ballast framing system was utilized. The Uni Rac ballast system deployed mitigated the risk of water ingress from damaging the waterproof membrane. The ballast system was designed to meet the wind load subjected to the Council Chambers roof.
The 21.56kW system comprised 79 SCHOTT solar 235W panels and 30 SCHOTT Solar Amorphous 100W Modules covering an area of 200 square meters. SMA SMC 10000TL-10, SMC11000TL-10 and SB3800 inverters were used.
Solgen Energy took responsibility for the entire process in delivering and installing the solar electric systems for Council, covering system design, relevant permits, procurement, site safety analysis, installation and commissioning, training and ongoing support.
An SMA Sunny Webbox monitoring system and large display was included with the installation for the visualisation of real-time generation data at the Council Chambers. The large display enables both staff and visitors to assess the performance of the system located directly on the building’s roof.
BENEFITS
The system establishes North Sydney Council as a community leader in environmental initiatives. Not only does it demonstrate North Sydney Council’s commitment to taking action on climate change it simultaneously provides it with financial and environmental rewards. The benefits of the installation include:
-
The production of 37MWh of electricity per annum, thus reducing Council’s energy consumption and associated costs.
-
The reduction of C02 emissions by 40 tonnes per annum
-
Setting an example of sustainable practices to other Council’s, local businesses and residences.
TESTIMONIAL
“Solgen Energy has recently installed a 21.5 kW solar PV system at the Wyllie Wing roof of Council Chambers. The work was completed successfully to a high standard using panels from SCHOTT and inverters from SMA. I am very pleased with the outcome and workmanship is of professional standard. This is another showcase project for North Sydney Council.”
(Albert Lo, Property Manager)
