International solar expertise on Fraser Coast Solar Farm

Leading Australian solar provider Ingenero has drawn together a team of international experts to build the $2.7 million Fraser Coast Community Solar Farm.

The strength of the team won Brisbane-based Ingenero the Wide Bay Water Corporation tender last month to build the iconic Solar Farm in Queensland’s Hervey Bay.  

“We have chosen some of world’s best solar componentry for this project,” said Ingenero CEO Steve McRae.

“This is the first time German-based solar mounting system company Schletter is to build, via Ingenero, a project of this size in Australia.  

“Their unique pole-driving technology will be used - this technology forms the cornerstone of most of the world’s largest ground mounted PV solar farms. It is the first time this technology has been used at scale in Australia. Schletter brings to the project 20 years’ global experience fabricating and installing solar panel mounting systems for large scale installations.

“Solar farms like this one are becoming commonplace overseas and Schletter has developed its expertise to rapid deploy ground mounts using their hydraulic ram, a highly sophisticated and technologically advanced pile driving machine has been imported for the project.”

Construction will begin in November on the 401 kW power station, which will comprise 1584 solar panels mounted across four hectares, generating 630 megawatt hours of energy every year – the equivalent of that used by approximately 100 homes.

Ingenero has also brought on board long term partner and the world’s largest panel manufacturer Suntech, whose technology was founded out of the University of New South Wales.

The panels to be used are technologically advanced 250kW Monocrystalline panels that bring an industry leading 25 year warranty and a strong power output profile.

Ingenero’s inverter supplier for the 1.2mW installation at the University of Queensland, American based PowerOne, will supply two 330kW central inverter systems to convert the energy fed from the panels for use by the Wide Bay Water Corporation or for delivery back into the grid.

While not the first central inverter systems installed in Australia they lead the way in inverter efficiency for centralised systems. Being transformerless, these units deliver the same efficiency ratings as smaller string inverters but deliver the benefits of a more centralised approach.

“The collaboration between a local Australian builder (Ingenero) and the world’s best suppliers will deliver a truly world-class facility for the Fraser Coast and will guarantee to deliver over a long period of time,” said Mr McRae.

The Queensland Government has provided $2.7million to fund the project as part of its commitment to support the use of solar technology.

Media enquiries: Casey at Macneil Marketing & Communications  07 5446 6945  casey@macneilmarketing.com.au