Kangaroo Island – Australia’s third-largest island and part of South Australia – is on its way toward being powered by the sun.
Construction by Ingenero, a solar power company, began in January 2013 on a solar panel system which will provide 50 kW of power to the island.
This will go towards powering the island’s Kingscote Airport and the charging of electric vehicles.
The project is being funded through the South Australian government’s Renewable Energy Fund, which aims to support renewable energy investment in South Australia.
This objective runs in tandem with South Australia’s goal of having one third of their state’s power generated by renewable sources by 2020.
The 50 kW dual axis tracking solar system can orient itself towards the direction of the most sunlight, and it will be the largest installed in the state.
There will also be a 5kW solar array – a collection of linked solar panels – on the island to charge the electric vehicles.
“The dual-axis solar tracking technology will lift solar power output by around 30 per cent more than a non-tracking solar array,” said chief executive officer of Ingenero, Steve McRae.
“Combined with the two solar powered electric vehicles and charging stations, this project will enable Kangaroo Island Council to save on fuel costs as well as dramatically reduce the airport’s power bill and carbon emissions.”
Posted by Mike Peacock