Media Release
A renewable energy milestone in Far North Queensland is now live. Solenergy Group has completed a 401kW solar installation for Cairns Aquarium, one of the region’s biggest tourist attractions—and energy users.
Powered by four 100kW GoodWe HT inverters—donated by GoodWe and Greensketch—and co-funded through the Queensland Government’s Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure Fund (BRTI), the new system is designed to improve the site’s energy resilience and cut fossil fuel use.
Solar powering sea life
The Aquarium houses over 16,000 aquatic animals—including sharks, rays, and grouper—across 71 displays. It circulates more than 5 million litres of water through 14 plant rooms, all kept running by advanced Life Support Systems (LSS) that operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
This $400,000 investment now fully powers the Aquarium’s LSS, supplying 100% of the energy required for aquatic pumps, filtration, and purification systems—essential for animal well-being and water quality.
Environmental impact by the numbers
The clean energy produced will deliver substantial environmental benefits:
- 243,017 kg of coal avoided per year
- 213,830 litres of fuel saved annually
- Equivalent to planting 12,872 trees each year
Guests can even see the impact live, thanks to a real-time energy dashboard in the Aquarium’s lobby.
Overcoming challenges with clever engineering
Solenergy Group Director, Mark Ridgley, said the rooftop project came with engineering and logistical hurdles:
“We had to design a system that seamlessly integrates with grid power without affecting sensitive water quality equipment. With almost 700 x 585W solar panels installed across nearly 4,000m², load distribution and rooftop access were major considerations for a site that’s open every day of the year to over 300,000 global visitors.”
Ridgley added that the GoodWe HT Inverters were chosen for their performance and durability in tropical conditions:
“They offer features like IP66 ratings, surge protection, and internal humidity monitoring, which made them the ideal choice for Cairns.”
Industry support and government backing
Dean Williamson, Country Manager at GoodWe Australia, highlighted the value of collaboration:
“This project supports tourism, local endangered species, and regional resilience. With Greensketch’s help, we were proud to donate the inverters and help make this system a reality.”
Cairns Aquarium CEO, Daniel Leipnik, reinforced the importance of action:
“We teach thousands each day about protecting the reef and wetlands. This solar system shows our commitment to climate action and sustainable tourism.”
Assistant Minister for Tourism, Bree James MP, praised the project’s broader purpose:
“Through the BRTI: Tropical Cyclone Jasper Fund, we’ve helped 75 North Queensland tourism operators boost resilience. Cairns Aquarium’s project is a prime example—delivering renewable energy solutions that protect both their business and our natural environment.”
