Verdia’s sunny task
Stockland solar panel project biggest in land
ENERGY Services company Verdia has been contracted by retail property giant Stockland to deliver Australia’s largest rooftop solar panel project – including installing a 1.6MW system at its Burleigh Heads centre.
The project will be completed over the next year and is expected to cut energy costs by up to 25 per cent.
A total of 4634 solar panels will be installed on the shopping centre roof, generating enough to power more than 420 typical homes.
Over the past two years electricity prices for large commercial and industrial customers across Australia have gone up by up to 50 per cent. The price surge has driven large energy users to look for energy efficiency solutions without having to self-manage the financial and technical risks.
In a deal announced this week, Stockland has chosen Verdia as their partner to develop and deliver Australia’s largest ever property solar program.
Verdia CEO Paul Peters said large energy users were particularly vulnerable to high energy costs, creating a growing market for on-site solar generation and energy efficiency upgrades.
“We’re currently assessing, developing or delivering over 130MW of behind-themeter solar at 350 sites across the country,” Mr Peters said.
“Where it’s feasible, we are also bundling in LED lighting upgrades to maximise energy reductions and cost savings.”
Verdia has been working with Stockland on detailed site assessments, business case development, engineering, technical designs and network engagement.
The program is now moving to delivery including a rigorous tender process for equipment and contractors and asset performance.
As part of the deal, almost 30,000 solar panels will generate enough electricity across nine shopping centre sites to power the equivalent of 2485 average homes.