Solar Case Study – Stevens’ Farm | Commercial Solar Power by Energy Matters

A 7.5kW ground-mount configuration was designed for Mr Stevens by Energy Matters, consisting of an industry-leading mounting system, award-winning 250-watt REC Peak Energy Series solar modules, and an STP 8000-TL solar inverter manufactured by the world leader in inverter technology, SMA.

The REC solar modules offered an impressive 15.1% conversion efficiency and high-transparency tempered glass with Sunarc Technology antireflection surface treatment. These panels also had a low temperature coefficient, meaning they continue to perform well in hot conditions.

The SMA STP 8000-TL was a three-phase inverter that offered 98% efficiency, OptiTrac Global Peak shade management, OptiCool active temperature management, and a range of other advanced yet user-friendly features.

The ground mount system used was GroundLock, an Australian-designed and manufactured framing system and part of the SunLock family of solar framing products. SunLock was founded and developed by Energy Matters’ sister company, Apollo Energy.

Consisting of a galvanised steel sub-frame and 6106-T6 extruded aluminium upper frame, GroundLock is pre-approved for installation in wind region A, terrain category 2, meaning most of Australia.

The mounting system was put to a real-world test on March 22, 2013, when severe storms and a tornado tore through Koonoomoo. Buildings, homes and properties were damaged, and dozens of injuries occurred. Mr Stevens’ Energy Matters solar power system survived unscathed.

The system’s expected output was 12,737 kWh of clean electricity annually.

One of the challenges of this project was the long cable run from the array to the homestead. Line loss was minimised by selecting appropriate cabling.

For farmers seeking new ways to reduce operational costs, the rooftops of sheds and farm buildings were an important part of the answer. If suitable roof space were not available, a ground-mounted solar energy solution would be viable.