Pines Elanora, a Gold Coast shopping centre, has installed a 636 kW solar car park structure as part of its $30 million redevelopment.
Said to be Australia’s largest solar car park, the solar system will generate over 1,000 MWh of electricity per annum – enabling the centre to run up to 20 per cent of its air-conditioning from solar power, and producing enough electricity to power 170 Queensland households.
SunEdison installed and managed the project on behalf of Pines Elanora. The solar installation utilises SolarEdge inverter technology, which draws on DC-DC optimiser technology to increase solar production, and more than 2,050 solar panels from Canadian Solar.
Pines Centre Manager Hilary Jacobs said introducing solar was in line with the centre’s vision to contribute positively to the local community.
“As a community shopping centre, it is important that we lead the way in reducing our environmental footprint. Thanks to the solar car park, our CO2 offset will be the equivalent of taking 185 cars off the road each year,” Ms Jacobs said.
The Pines Elanora has joined early adopters for solar on shopping centres, including the 1.3 MW solar system at Casuarina Shopping Centreand the 1.2 MW solar system at Shell Harbour Shopping Centre.
EcoGeneration recently compiled a list of car parks around Australia vying for the “˜largest solar car park’ title- from Shakra Energy’s 100 kW solar carport installation in Brisbaneand Solgen’s 170 kW solar carport installation for the Willoughby Council Alice Springs Airport’s 325 kW solar carport. However, Adelaide Airport’s proposed 1 MW solar car park may take the gong once and for all when it is commissioned.