Solar powering public buildings
The ABC has reported that Port Macquarie Base Hospital is installing 2,000 PV panels, in what is claimed to be the largest rooftop solar installation for a healthcare facility in Australia. The system will generate 609 KW of electricity and save the hospital $130,000 per year in operating costs.
One of the aims is to pilot the project to determine its effectiveness for hospitals throughout the country.
Other large-scale solar projects for buildings include the 6,000 panel installation at Charles Sturt University at its Wagga Wagga campus. Its total capacity is 1.77 MW and it produces 20% of the electricity needed for the campus.
Earlier this year STELR News also reported on the solar installation at the Sydney Markets that comprises 8600 PV panels.