Australia's largest solar panel array opens at Berwick

Professor Cornish speaks to guests at the opening of the Berwick solar array

Professor Edwina Cornish, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and DVC Research officially launched one of Australia's largest solar panel arrays during a recent ceremony on campus.

The Berwick solar panel installation follows the success of the solar array at the Clayton campus, installed last year, bringing the University's total installed capacity of solar energy to more than 200 KWp.

The Berwick solar project is the largest solar power generator in the SP AusNet electricty network that covers the eastern half of Victoria. 

Dr Brimblecombe (right) chats with Professor Gary Codner, Civil Engineering

Dr Robin Brimblecombe, Energy and Water Manager at the Office of Environmental Sustainability said the Berwick array was built to reduce the University's carbon footprint and continue its commitment to clean energy.

“Monash is aiming to have a diverse portfolio of renewable energy technologies, with a significant renewable energy presence on every campus," Dr Brimblecombe said.  

The Faculty of Engineering will be one of the first to use the installation for research purposes.

“The array will also serve as a valuable teaching and learning facility, for students and researchers. It includes a range of technologies and is distinct from our existing arrays in the type of technologies used and style of installation," Mr Brimblecombe said.

“The Berwick array is mounted directly on the roof, whereas most arrays are mounted on custom framing which adds significant costs and materials.”

There are 1529 separate panels in the Berwick array and they cover more than half the roof space of the entire campus. It is expected it will save 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.

Professor Cornish with (from left) Mr Mark Soderlund, Facilities & Services, Mr Peter Marshall, DVC Administration ...and Mr Paul Barton, Office of Environmental Sustainability