Construction has begun at the University of Queensland's Gatton campus, in partnership with First Solar, on what will be the largest solar photovoltaic research facility in the southern hemisphere. Scheduled for completion in 2015, the UQ's 10 hectare, $14 million solar power research facility is predicted to demonstrate the true meaning of the âSunshine State'.
Solar Power
The aim of the 3.275-megawatt facility is to look at ways to improve the integration of photovoltaic solar power, which directly converts sunlight to electricity through semi-conductors, within the existing grid. When fully functional, the solar power facility will produce enough annual electricity to power 450 average homes, the equivalent to displacing more than 5 600 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide or removing 1 590 cars from the road.
Currently, Australia relies heavily on coal-fired power stations, and according to UQ Solar director Paul Meredith, it's risky to be so reliant on only one or two types of fuel for our power systems.
âThe best systems in the world are resilient in the way they have a mix of options and if one of them comes off, or one is endangered, the others can take the slack. We've got geothermal, we've got wind, we've got hydro, and we've got more sun than you can shake a stick at,â he said.
Solar Experts
The researchers using this facility are among the best in the industry and will provide new insights on integrating large-scale renewable power plants with conventional electricity grids. They will be teamed with the innovative, global company First Solar, therefore, the Australian government expects optimal returns on its investment in this solar research and development. It also has excellent implications for the environment and society, in general.
In addition to supplying and installing about 40,000 advanced thin-film photovoltaic solar panels in ground-mounted arrays, First Solar will also be providing engineering, procurement, and construction for the Gatton PV Pilot Plant.
The plant will include a megawatt-hour-scale battery storage research station to improve understanding of the value of short term and medium term energy storage, its impact on the quality of power supply and also any economic benefits that result from it.