AGL’s panda solar PV system
In December 2009, two Giant Pandas named Wang Wang and Funi arrived in Adelaide, gifted to Australia from China for the duration of ten years. The pandas reside in a purpose-built 2000 square metre exhibit at the Adelaide Zoo, in a habitat made to resemble their native home.
Wanting to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by investing in greener energy, Adelaide Zoo approached AGL Energy for a solar solution suitable for the Giant Panda exhibit. A solar photovoltaic (PV) system was recommended, and has been designed to create an optimal environment for the Giant Pandas to live in.
The system was designed, project managed and installed by AGL Carbon Management Services, and the work was carefully planned and managed in co-operation with the zoo to minimise impact on the pandas and other zoo animals.
The 10.2 kilowatt (kW) PV system consists of 34 panels mounted on the roof of the panda exhibit building. The total array size is 62.4 metres square (with signage), and the system is connected to a local electrical switchboard, thereby contributing to the electrical consumption for the specialised panda environmental management systems, including the chilled rocks within the enclosure and other building services in the panda exhibit building. The system also has an LCD information screen located in the public area, which displays the immediate and long-term performance of the solar PV system.
While the system generates power, it will also provide a focus for valuable education about the benefits of solar energy to the estimated 1.3 million visitors to Adelaide Zoo each year, especially school children.
A critical part of the project was to ensure safe access to the panels during installation and for future maintenance. This was achieved by extending existing access walkways and installing harness lines across the roof of the panda exhibit where the solar PV array is installed.
The chosen PV panels are high output and efficiency, and are of monocrystalline type. The solar PV system is predicted to offset 359,700 kg CO2e during its expected 25 year lifespan.
Perth Zoo’s solar project
As part of the Australian Government’s $94 million Solar Cities program, a major solar commercial generation project is currently underway at Perth Zoo. SunPower Corporation awarded the contract to O’Donnell Griffin, an Australasian electrical engineering and contracting business. Y
The installation itself is an iconic solar project for Perth Solar City, and is the third Solar City contract the company has been awarded by SunPower.
O’Donnell Griffin will install a 90.6 kW grid connected solar system to five separate rooftops of various animal shelters, including the elephant barn and the reptile centre. All work must adhere to stringent zoo, SunPower and industry standards. The electricity generated will be used to offset consumption on site.
SunPower Corporation Managing Director Bob Blakiston said “SunPower is proud to be, once again, working with installation partner O’Donnell Griffin.
“O’Donnell Griffin was selected as the preferred installation partner by virtue of its depth of experience, commitment to the solar industry and demonstrated capability on similar projects.”
O’Donnell Griffin has been onsite since mid-July with works taking 8–12 weeks, according to the company’s WA Service Manager for Electrical and Communications, Paul Wilson.
