UQ project plowing ahead

UQ project plowing ahead

12 January 2011

Ingenero is nearing completion of Australia’s largest flat panel solar facility at the University of Queensland’s (UQ) St Lucia campus in Brisbane. 

The vast 1.22 megawatt solar system will span four buildings or 11 rooftops, effectively coating UQ’s buildings in 5,004 polycrystalline silicon solar panels. 

The system will not only provide UQ with clean, green energy, but will also double as a valuable training and research platform for internationally-recognised teaching, research and development of solar technologies. 

“Our objective is to integrate the solar array into everyday business across UQ and also provide the community, industry and government with vital information on how to deploy and optimize solar energy systems at this scale,” said UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield.

This project is the latest in a range of renewable energy based research projects between Ingenero and UQ over the last three years. 

In recognition of the importance of energy-based research, Ingenero has donated an advanced high-efficiency Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) technology from equipment supplier SolFocus. This SF-1100S array is rated at 8.4 kW, and will be part of a comprehensive research and training program at the University.

“The UQ solar power installation represents the leading edge of commercial and industrial scale solar energy in Australia. UQ will substantially reduce its carbon footprint and provide an excellent learning facility for future leaders of the renewable energy industry,” said Ingenero CEO Steve McRae.

Despite progress being hindered by several severe weather events, Ingenero has already installed more than 50% of the 5000 total panels, with all elevated panels now in place. Work is well underway on the flat-mounted units and clamping of the DC cable tray on the roof. The AC cabling will then be rolled out ready for the switch on.