The 2023 Clean Energy Council Solar Design and Installation Awards winners have been announced.
See the winners announced below on 25 October 2023 at the Grand Networking Event at All-Energy Australia.
Solpac's design objective was simple: to get as close to eliminating the $1,500 quarterly power bill as possible, while using only the available roof space and staying within the PV 2x oversize ruling for hybrid solar inverters.
For nighttime loads, they installed two stacks of BYD HV batteries, each connected to a 5kW Fronius Gen24 inverter, and to provide security for blackouts a backup board was installed to allow customer to power a selected number of circuits.
The scintillating synergy of components and design on this three-level mansion landed this installation in their local magazine and will hopefully be repeated on other discerning neighbours' roofs!
Lismore Council required a combined solar and EV charging solution for the Clyde Campbell car park that demonstrated sustainability in its materials and showed the impact of climate change on drought and the environment. Iberdrola Australia responded with a design that championed a sustainable, multi-functional approach.
The structure used bifacial solar panels to generate electricity from the high reflected light in the car park as well as directly from the sun. These connected to an inverter and switchboard located on the roof of the amenities building, next to the local DNSP transformer, to help mitigate flood danger. Charging was provided through a 75kW tritium DC fast charger installed with both CHAdeMO and CCS ports with spare conduits run to every column to allow for additional chargers in future.
The structure was designed to reflect the shape of a butterfly and provide a habitat for the local, endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, which had also been a focus of local environmental groups. The panels provided water collection for native plants and vines favoured by the butterflies, with a storage tank and reclaimed timber panels helping improve sustainability.
Lake Mountain Alpine resort was powered by a microgrid comprising of diesel generator sets and 200 kWh storage of battery packs. This project aimed to reduce dependence on the three diesel generators previously used to power operations at Lake Mountain, significantly reducing carbon emissions and operating costs.
Lake Mountain has an extreme seasonal load profile, with approximately 13-15 weeks during winter reaching loads between 300 to 500kVA. Throughout the rest of the year, the load rarely exceeds 150kVa, mostly remaining steady around 60 to 90kVA.
Flow Power teaming with Mark Fanning designed and installed a 96.8 kWp (80 kVA) solar PV system, integrating it with the existing SPpro unit (which manages the battery and Diesel generator) to help manage the extreme seasonal load. Continuous three-phase power is delivered with a seamless transition from solar and battery energy to any one of the three diesel generators, if required. A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) device monitors and automatically selects the most efficient energy source according to load and stored energy conditions.
Installing solar at altitude raised some interesting challenges for Flow Power; from snow weight calculations in their dead load assessment, to considering the capacity for uplift from the alpine wind. They also had to contend with a 40° slope to install the roof panels on, requiring scaffolding, spider harnesses and a 125ft knuckle boom to lift the 167 solar panels in place.
This project marks the first step in Lake Mountain’s journey towards a decarbonised future, with promising developments still in the pipeline.
Greenwood Solutions embarked on an extraordinary journey, conceiving, engineering, and successfully deploying a ground-breaking 350 kW+ floating solar array that demonstrated unparalleled excellence in design, installation, and meeting the unique needs of their clients.
Greenwood Solutions were contracted to design and install a solar system to help power the substantial pump electrical loads that a wastewater treatment plant experiences, reducing the plant's energy bills and carbon footprint. At the core of this pioneering venture lay the ingenious concept of harnessing solar energy through a floating photovoltaic (PV) system.
The journey was not without its challenges. The massive scale of the project necessitated extensive civil works, encompassing land reclamation and specialized construction techniques. Planning required bathymetry tests to precisely situate the floating solar infrastructure. Engineering the platform for the solar panels and transitioning the cables from the array to land required a profound comprehension of buoyancy dynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural integrity. 200-tonne cranes were used in construction with 4 to 5-tonne concrete ballast blocks employed to anchor the structure and allow for future adjustments. A custom-designed inverter station and launch ramp were also crafted.
As well as meeting the client's objectives the project's environmental impact was truly noteworthy. The close proximity of the solar panels to the water's surface led to reduced evaporation rates, making a significant contribution to water conservation efforts. Moreover, the panels' adjacency to the water enhanced solar production due to increased cooling and reflection, further amplifying the system's efficiency.
In summation, Greenwood Solutions' triumphant realization of a 350 kW+ floating solar array for a wastewater treatment plant exemplified their mastery in solar PV system design, engineering, and implementation.
Situated in the idyllic hinterland of the NSW North Coast, Round Mountain provides the ultimate off-grid escape.
Goodhew Electrical & Solar was approached by the site owner back in 2019 to design an off-grid solar system as part of the planning for a future luxury estate. The need for temporary power during construction as well as an evolving client brief called for a carefully-considered staged, modular off-grid system.
Core to the client's brief was the ability to be fully self-sufficient without compromising luxury in their future home. This was by no means a standard off-grid system, with the property featuring a large heated pool, spa, electric sauna, heat pump, electric vehicle charger as well as four electric tanks providing hot water across the main house and various outbuildings on the estate.
The initial installation included a 10kW solar array, coupled with a Fronius 8.2kW inverter and Selectronics SP Pro 482 with two BYD Premium 13.8kW batteries and 9kVA standby generator, expanding in 2022 and 2023 to a total 36kW solar array and 82kW battery storage to create a true standalone micro-grid with diesel generator standby. The deployment of the Fronius 8.2kW Selectronics Certified Inverter, in conjunction with the Selectronics SP Pro and Select.Live platform, formed the backbone of the energy management system. Tigo optimizers were installed on both arrays, enhancing each panel's individual performance even with shading and allowing real-time monitoring and control, while the BYD battery storage units ensured uninterrupted power supply, even during inclement weather or peak energy demand.
Goodhew Electrical & Solar has accomplished more than creating an off-grid system; they've paved the way for sustainable luxury living in the heart of the NSW North Coast hinterland.
Solpac's design objective was simple: to get as close to eliminating the $1,500 quarterly power bill as possible, while using only the available roof space and staying within the PV 2x oversize ruling for hybrid solar inverters.
For nighttime loads, they installed two stacks of BYD HV batteries, each connected to a 5kW Fronius Gen24 inverter, and to provide security for blackouts a backup board was installed to allow customer to power a selected number of circuits.
The scintillating synergy of components and design on this three-level mansion landed this installation in their local magazine and will hopefully be repeated on other discerning neighbours' roofs!
This residential solar PV system with battery storage installation in a NSW suburb serves as a prime example of excellence in renewable energy projects.
The project had several key goals: to decrease energy bills, reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy independence. Given the property's high energy usage, a 20kW rooftop solar system and a battery storage system capable of a 15kW discharge were chosen. This accommodated EV charging, heating, and cooling requirements throughout the day. The complex roof design resulted in seven different roof areas, each with varying azimuth and tilt angles plus optimisers to mitigate shading impacts during different seasons. Sunpower P Series all-black panels were chosen for their high efficiency and visual appeal, complementing the modern home design, coupled with Fronius inverters and Tesla Powerwalls to charge the two existing Tesla EVs. A state-of-the-art energy monitoring system was installed, allowing real-time tracking of energy production and consumption, with both primary and secondary monitoring systems in place.
By meticulously planning, selecting innovative technologies, and executing expert installation, the project successfully achieved its goals of reducing carbon emissions, lowering energy bills, and ensuring energy independence. Solar panel performance exceeded initial expectations and helped significantly reduce energy bills especially in summer with battery storage providing seamless backup power during grid outages. The system generated estimated CO2 savings of 22.7 tonnes.
Lismore Council required a combined solar and EV charging solution for the Clyde Campbell car park that demonstrated sustainability in its materials and showed the impact of climate change on drought and the environment. Iberdrola Australia responded with a design that championed a sustainable, multi-functional approach.
The structure used bifacial solar panels to generate electricity from the high reflected light in the car park as well as directly from the sun. These connected to an inverter and switchboard located on the roof of the amenities building, next to the local DNSP transformer, to help mitigate flood danger. Charging was provided through a 75kW tritium DC fast charger installed with both CHAdeMO and CCS ports with spare conduits run to every column to allow for additional chargers in future.
The structure was designed to reflect the shape of a butterfly and provide a habitat for the local, endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, which had also been a focus of local environmental groups. The panels provided water collection for native plants and vines favoured by the butterflies, with a storage tank and reclaimed timber panels helping improve sustainability.
Lake Mountain Alpine resort was powered by a microgrid comprising of diesel generator sets and 200 kWh storage of battery packs. This project aimed to reduce dependence on the three diesel generators previously used to power operations at Lake Mountain, significantly reducing carbon emissions and operating costs.
Lake Mountain has an extreme seasonal load profile, with approximately 13-15 weeks during winter reaching loads between 300 to 500kVA. Throughout the rest of the year, the load rarely exceeds 150kVa, mostly remaining steady around 60 to 90kVA.
Flow Power teaming with Mark Fanning designed and installed a 96.8 kWp (80 kVA) solar PV system, integrating it with the existing SPpro unit (which manages the battery and Diesel generator) to help manage the extreme seasonal load. Continuous three-phase power is delivered with a seamless transition from solar and battery energy to any one of the three diesel generators, if required. A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) device monitors and automatically selects the most efficient energy source according to load and stored energy conditions.
Installing solar at altitude raised some interesting challenges for Flow Power; from snow weight calculations in their dead load assessment, to considering the capacity for uplift from the alpine wind. They also had to contend with a 40° slope to install the roof panels on, requiring scaffolding, spider harnesses and a 125ft knuckle boom to lift the 167 solar panels in place.
This project marks the first step in Lake Mountain’s journey towards a decarbonised future, with promising developments still in the pipeline.
Working for Photon Energy Group, Manuel Cillia and Righetto Fabio designed and installed a 85kW rooftop system at The Bond Norwest for which they developed an innovative mounting structure to integrate with the timber framed building.
The Bond Norwest is a next generation workplace constructed completely from engineered timber. This is becoming a growing trend in the circular economy commercial building environment. Besides the sustainability of timber as a building material, there is a growing body of evidence internationally demonstrating that connecting to nature, biophilic design and wood is associated with improved physical and mental wellbeing. Testing of the timber structure for the Bond took place at the CSIRO facility in Ryde to ensure all Australian Certifications were achieved.
We partnered with Buildcorp, who constructed the building, to develop a mounting structure and bracket type purpose built for the Bond's rooftop. Throughout the project, we worked closely with Buildcorp to solve problems and adapt to challenges as they arose, including a change to the type of bracket used and waterproofing method.
The team at Photon Energy are proud to integrate solar into this unconventional high rise building material and ensure all relevant Australian Standards were adhered to.
Partnering with the most recognised brand on the planet, Energy Aware successfully designed and installed the largest Nike logo swoosh in the world through its groundbreaking solar project.
The first step involved a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption across Nike's expansive warehouse network, spanning both the United States and China, which acted as the cornerstone for this local solar project. A system that met Nike's energy demands and financial goals went beyond functionality when Energy Aware's internal engineers collaborated with Nike's marketing team. This alignment gave rise to Nike's world-first rooftop solar swoosh logo, a visual testament to the perfect fusion of sustainable energy and iconic branding.
Energy Aware's solar installation for Nike stands tall as a world-first symbol of excellence in design and installation, all achieved in lockstep with stringent industry regulations. This project is a testament to the confluence of technical expertise, collaborative synergy, and steadfast compliance, culminating in a solar PV system that not only generates power but also embodies the efficacy of client-centric solutions.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have a global target to be a zero emissions organisation by 2050. This includes all affiliate companies, including Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA), who are expanding operations in Australia. As part of this, the Altona North: Melbourne Parts Centre (TPC) site was selected for the installation of a 3.07MW/2.4MVA PV system.
The site itself is a manufacturing & fit-out centre, and as such, has a very complex electrical network in place, with high requirements around safety, monitoring and control. The PV system was designed with this in mind, so as to seamlessly integrate with the site’s existing safety, monitoring and control systems. The site now has full control of the PV system output, including active power setpoints and on/off commands, as well as full monitoring of circuit breaker statuses, weather station information, inverter AC/DC information and fault codes, and many other monitoring, alarming and control capabilities.
There were some unique challenges and solutions with an installation of this size. The entire building was structurally assessed and optimised for the most cost-efficient layout of panels and rails. To minimise the electrical system (DC and AC) losses, the inverters were all located adjacent to the substations in the middle of the roof, which required helicopter lifts of 1,100kg PVDBs. The applicable structural standards (in particular AS1170.2) were also changing around the time of the design, and the option was chosen to certify under the new release, meaning more onerous conditions were imposed on the racking but resulting in the best practise outcome for the client. The DNSP Powercor at the time did not have a clear technical standard that related to this size and type of installation (<5MW connected to a 66kV sub-transmission line behind the meter), and so best practice modelling, protection and monitoring developed on this project in collaboration between AGL, Toyota and Powercor helped inform Powercor's new >5MW generator performance standard guideline.
The PV design was conducted to maximise yield for the client (rather than yield per roof space) as well as allow for easy maintenance & cleaning so a 10 degree tilt to the horizontal was selected with panels located away from roof skylights, to allow safe access to clean, maintain or inspect the panels.
Greenwood Solutions embarked on an extraordinary journey, conceiving, engineering, and successfully deploying a ground-breaking 350 kW+ floating solar array that demonstrated unparalleled excellence in design, installation, and meeting the unique needs of their clients.
Greenwood Solutions were contracted to design and install a solar system to help power the substantial pump electrical loads that a wastewater treatment plant experiences, reducing the plant's energy bills and carbon footprint. At the core of this pioneering venture lay the ingenious concept of harnessing solar energy through a floating photovoltaic (PV) system.
The journey was not without its challenges. The massive scale of the project necessitated extensive civil works, encompassing land reclamation and specialized construction techniques. Planning required bathymetry tests to precisely situate the floating solar infrastructure. Engineering the platform for the solar panels and transitioning the cables from the array to land required a profound comprehension of buoyancy dynamics, fluid mechanics, and structural integrity. 200-tonne cranes were used in construction with 4 to 5-tonne concrete ballast blocks employed to anchor the structure and allow for future adjustments. A custom-designed inverter station and launch ramp were also crafted.
As well as meeting the client's objectives the project's environmental impact was truly noteworthy. The close proximity of the solar panels to the water's surface led to reduced evaporation rates, making a significant contribution to water conservation efforts. Moreover, the panels' adjacency to the water enhanced solar production due to increased cooling and reflection, further amplifying the system's efficiency.
In summation, Greenwood Solutions' triumphant realization of a 350 kW+ floating solar array for a wastewater treatment plant exemplified their mastery in solar PV system design, engineering, and implementation.
2022 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
2021 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
2020 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
2019 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
2018 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
2017 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
2016 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
2015 Solar Design and Installation Award Winners
