Alice Springs solar generation now 10% of town’s power needs

Today’s launch of Alice Solar City’s fifth and final large iconic project at Alice Springs’ Araluen Arts Centre sees the town now meeting up to 10% of its daytime electricity needs from the sun.

Sam Latz, General Manager for Alice Solar City, says that this equates to 3% of Alice Springs’ total electricity needs, one of the highest levels in Australia.

“Today we congratulate the Northern Territory Government for its commitment to a greener future for Alice, with the installation of a 162 kW photovoltaic (PV) solar power system on the roof of its primary arts venue,” he said.

The system is being launched by the Northern Territory Minister for Arts and Museums, the Hon Matt Conlan.

Alice Solar City, as part of the Australian Government’s $94 million Solar Cities program, supported the detailed design of the Araluen iconic solar project by local firm CAT Projects, who identified that the installation of PV would significantly change the ‘profile’ of their electricity consumption.

“This means that a large part of the power used during the day is provided by the PV system, with overnight needs being met with electricity from the grid,” said Latz.

“The PV system will reduce consumption during some of the periods of highest electricity demand by the centre, reducing stress on the electricity network and reducing peak-time energy costs.”

In addition, a smart device called a ‘power factor corrector’ reduces the amount of ‘phantom’ electrical current (required by electrical motors, air compressors, etc) being drawn, which is especially useful during peak times.

“Alice Solar City put particular emphasis on the selection and layout of the solar modules on the roof to ensure an attractive result,” said Latz. “The careful design by CAT Projects, the selection of the Q.Cells black solar panels and professional installation by Ingenero and Ogden Power has achieved a stunning result.”

The system will be extended by another 18 kW on east-facing roof space between now and March 2013, bringing the total system size to 180 kW.

The complete system will save 231 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per annum through its generation of 330 MWh of electricity, enough to power 39 Alice Springs homes.