Solar Case Study – Melbourne University

Location

Melbourn University, Victoria

Project Size

100.88 kWp

Annual Production

124.8 MWh

Solar Panels

388 x Trina Solar Frameless 260W

Solar Inverters

2 x Fronius CL48.0

Mounting System

SunLock and Grace

Monitoring

Solar-Log

Completed

February 2015

Energy Matters continues to deploy leading university solar PV systems, with the most recent installation on the roof of the listed Wilson Hall at the University of Melbourne.

Energy Matters won this competitive tender as the experienced in house design team were able to create a solution that complied with heritage listed building requirements while delivering an estimated 124.8 megawatt hours of power and offsetting 105 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

To explore how solar energy can make a significant impact for your project or property, consider getting FREE solar quotes from Energy Matters. It’s a step towards sustainability that goes beyond cutting-edge technology, harmonizing with the heritage and environmental considerations essential for projects like the one at Wilson Hall. Discover the potential of solar solutions that not only meet but exceed your energy needs, aligning seamlessly with your vision for a greener future.

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s second oldest university and the oldest in Victoria, which has resulted in the impressive Wilson Hall becoming heritage listed. Wilson Hall has a heritage overlay and a permit exemption was required for the works associated with the installation.

The primary concern for heritage permit exemption was that the work not negatively impact on the cultural heritage significance of the building.

As such, an exemption was sought on the basis that no safety rails (or other permanent safety infrastructure) and the solar installation itself would be visible from the street, or impose on the current appearance of the building.

The installation therefore does not use tilt framing, despite a roof pitch of only 1°.

Using traditional framed panels, the 1° roof angle would not be sufficient to allow panels to self-clean, and water would collect at the edges of the frame. Such collection leads to panel soiling and increased likelihood of water ingress into the panel; affecting the efficiency and leading to extra maintenance costs. Instead, frameless solar panels were used for the system, which will prevent collection and encourage run off of water and dirt.

In total, 388 Trina Solar frameless panels were installed – the first commercial installation in Australia to incorporate these modules. The 100.88 kW system installed demonstrates the initiative and experience of Energy Matters’ leading in-house design team; enabling the University of Melbourne to go solar on a challenging, heritage listed roof.

Aside from demonstrating environmental stewardship, commercial solar can make good financial sense. Considering a commercial scale solar project? Contact us today and we can begin to build your Melbourne solar system together.

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