03.27.15
Sunshine is being turned into energy and knowledge at The University of Queensland’s Gatton campus, where the state’s largest solar array was launched.
The 3.275 megawatt Gatton Solar Research Facility comprises more than 37,000 thin-film photovoltaic panels, mounted on the campus’s 10ha former airstrip.
The advanced technology photovoltaic (PV) modules from First Solar will produce enough clean energy to power more than 450 average Queensland homes and will displace the equivalent of 5,600 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
“This infrastructure brings UQ’s total solar generation capacity to more than five megawatts,” Prof. Peter Høj, UQ vice-chancellor and president, said. “This project is a great example of UQ working hand-in-hand with industry and government to ensure our excellent research and technology contribute to a viable clean energy future for the world.”
Project partner First Solar managed the facility’s engineering and construction and supplied the panels.
The development is funded by a $40.7 million Federal Government Education Investment Fund program grant administered by the Department of Education.
For the first time in Australia, multiple PV mounting technologies including fixed-tilt, single-axis and dual-axis tracker technologies will be in operation side-by-side in the same field to inform electrical and economic performance.
The 3.275 megawatt Gatton Solar Research Facility comprises more than 37,000 thin-film photovoltaic panels, mounted on the campus’s 10ha former airstrip.
The advanced technology photovoltaic (PV) modules from First Solar will produce enough clean energy to power more than 450 average Queensland homes and will displace the equivalent of 5,600 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
“This infrastructure brings UQ’s total solar generation capacity to more than five megawatts,” Prof. Peter Høj, UQ vice-chancellor and president, said. “This project is a great example of UQ working hand-in-hand with industry and government to ensure our excellent research and technology contribute to a viable clean energy future for the world.”
Project partner First Solar managed the facility’s engineering and construction and supplied the panels.
The development is funded by a $40.7 million Federal Government Education Investment Fund program grant administered by the Department of Education.
For the first time in Australia, multiple PV mounting technologies including fixed-tilt, single-axis and dual-axis tracker technologies will be in operation side-by-side in the same field to inform electrical and economic performance.