In February 2010, seven Polepower distributed photovoltaic (PV) generations systems, developed by Cairns-based company Energy Innovations, were installed on electricity poles within the Ergon Energy distribution network on Magnetic Island to demonstrate and enable an evaluation of the technology within a utility environment.

Each Polepower system consists of a curved PV module mounted on the north face of the electricity pole, and a control module which connects the solar panel directly to the low voltage network conductors.

The curved shape of the Polepower solar module ensures minimal wind loading on the host pole. The modules are non-reflective and highly durable, making them ideal for use in urban environments. The modules also have a high tolerance to shading and perform well in a wide range of ambient temperatures.

Electricity generated by the solar module is fed into the distribution network at each pole. This solar energy offsets electricity that would otherwise be generated by power stations many hundreds or thousands of kilometres away and therefore avoids the losses associated with the transmission and distribution of that energy.

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The Polepower solar module can be oriented east or west of north to maximise energy generation at specific times of the day – as would be appropriate if aiming to offset demand on the network during a particular peak load period.

The systems on Magnetic Island were installed on a variety of different types and sizes of poles, including high-voltage/low-voltage (LV) poles, LV poles and poles supporting open and aerial bundled LV conductors. The Polepower solar modules were mounted a minimum of 2.4 meters above ground level in accordance with utility standards.

Each individual Polepower system is rated at 140 watts and produces sufficient power each year to run an average household for a week. A 1 megawatt Polepower system would utilise approximately 7,000 electricity poles and typically generate in excess of 1 gigawatt hour per annum. Polepower is designed as a utility grade product with a design life in excess of 20 years.

Throughout the trial the power output of each Polepower system was closely monitored and systems were also regularly inspected and assessed in terms of their mechanical performance.

The electrical output of each of the seven systems was found to meet or exceed the anticipated levels, and no electrical failures of any type were recorded during the 12 month trial. The systems also performed very well mechanically, with all fixing points and cable fastenings found to be secure and robust. The solar modules were found to be clean and free of dust and dirt, with evidence that the vertical orientation of the module ensured a high level of self-cleaning during wet weather.

Further development of the Polepower system is continuing, with the incorporation of state-of-the-art smart grid enabled control modules that enable the systems to:

  • Maximise generation of active power during daylight hours
  • Generate reactive power on demand at any time of the day or night to optimise network performance
  • Report grid and PV system performance data, including faults, in real time to a centralised monitoring station.

Reactive power generated by each Polepower systemcan be used to improve the network power factor thus reducing the load on the network during peak load periods. This assists in reducing network losses and deferring the need to upgrade infrastructure to meet peak loads. The reactive power generated can be used to maintain voltage levels within statutory limits close to the point of supply.

The Polepower trial was hosted by Queensland electricity distribution utility Ergon Energy. Energy Innovations Director David Smyth indicated that the Polepower trial had been very successful, with the project being completed on budget and ahead of time.

“With more than 6 million power poles across Australia, we think there is a great opportunity for Polepower to play a role in the smart electricity networks of the future.”