TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
CHALLENGE
The Townsville Civic Centre is a facility containing a public library, cafe and Council offices and is managed by the Townsville City Council.
The Council secured funding under the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) to install a minimum 40kW rooftop solar system on the Civic Centre. Through the installation of solar, Council aimed to progress development of public awareness of renewable energy technologies and promote its utilisation in the community. Reducing dependence of conventional energy grid supply during peak periods and reducing greenhouse emissions were also key aims of the project.
Through a competitive tender process, Council sought to engage specialists to design and install the solar electricity system. Critical to the design process was the consideration of site, climate and program constraints. A through system design summarising work methodologies was required to most effectively utilise the existing roof structure and maximise electricity output of the system.
The Council put particular emphasis on short timeframe between procurement and installation. The Council awarded the project in early December with the intention the installation would begin before Christmas.
SOLUTION
Solgen Energy sought to create certainty around Council’s vision through delivery of a robust design and a clear delivery program. Underpinning the program for works was Solgen Energy’s ability to deploy its own personnel directly to site and committed supply relationships.
Solgen Energy’s design intent was realised at the Townsville site through the installation of a 53kW solar array. Fixing components and work methodologies allowed maximum airflow to dissipate high ambient temperature conditions while adhering to cyclone-region considerations.
Over 50 tonnes of equipment was delivered to site within two weeks of order from Council. Safe work methodologies prioritised considerations of public access and plant movement throughout the installation phase.
The project was commissioned in January 2011. The array was unaffected by the unfortunate damage inflicted by Cyclone Yasi to the surrounding community.
The 52kW system comprised 225 SCHOTT solar 235 watt panels and five SMA SMC 11000TL inverters which cover an area of 376.5 square metres.
BENEFITS
The system demonstrates the Townsville City Council’s commitment to taking action on climate change, while simultaneously providing it with financial and environmental rewards. The system will produce more than 90MWh of electricity per annum. Major benefits of the system include
Reducing C02 emissions by 99 tonnes per annum, the equivalent usage of 11 average homes
Reducing energy & operating costs
Demonstrating positive action on climate change.
TESTIMONIAL
“With the works being undertaken on a fully occupied public use building, strict maintenance of the construction safety plan and associated traffic management controls was critical in the completion of the works. At all times Solgen Energy as Principal Contractor maintained the documented safety measures and demonstrated the level of skill expertise required to complete works of this nature, and achieve a tight program whilst surrounded by the general public.
The completed works demonstrated the high level of workmanship and skill within their project team both onsite and by the production of supporting documentation.
All interaction with Solgen Energy staff during the course of the works was cooperative and professional.
I am happy to act as a reference for the services provided by Solgen Energy at anytime.”
Justin Howie, Director, Revere Projects Pty Ltd (Project management Consultancy Group responsible for delivery of project)
