Adelaide Airport has announced it will install a 1.17 megawatt solar PV system, which it says will be one of the largest rooftop solar systems in Australia.
The system, to be built across 8000 square metres of the airport’s short-term car park roof, is expected to cut energy use and carbon emissions by 10 per cent. It represents a 1000 per cent increase in solar energy capacity for the airport, and makes it the largest private-sector solar system in South Australia. Stockland currently holds the record for Australia’s largest with its Shellharbour shopping centre system at 1.22MW.
“Adelaide Airport is again proud to be an aviation industry leader in sustainability,” Adelaide Airport managing director Mark Young said.
“This solar system significantly reduces our energy consumption, while assisting the state government in achieving its renewable energy targets.”
The airport was the first airport in Australia to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation, and has a vision to be a top-tier airport business centre for Asia Pacific.
“Further improving our environmental credentials is a key part of this vision,” Mr Young said.
The director of solar installer Solgen Energy, David Naismith, said that the system highlighted the growing appeal of commercial solar.
“This project further demonstrates the growing uptake of solar power as an integral part of any business’s energy mix, irrespective of industry,” Mr Naismith said.
Construction on the new solar system is expected to start in December and be completed by April 2016.