600 kW of rooftop solar on a High Voltage industrial. The project included supply and installation of the rooftop solar PV system, and integration of the system into the site’s HV network. TSP Energy negotiated the technical requirements with Essential Energy, testing and verification requirements, and conducted the protection and Earthing studies required as a part of the HV grid connection application.
What led Devro to initiate this project?
Devro was driven to install rooftop solar by their head office ESG initiatives, and to reduce reliance on their site, Cogen, with the rising cost of diesel.
- Financial drivers
- Free up capital for reinvestment into their 24/7 food operations.
Challenges & Solutions
Structural assessment did not come back favourable, and required a significant reduction in system size. To maximise the system, we employed higher efficiency panels to maximise the limited space.
The HV grid connection application with Essential had a long lead time. The initial requirements provided by Essential Energy paralleled that of a solar farm. TSP Energy negotiated the technical specification, to be better suited for the industrial site, completing relevant studies, demonstrating annual energy modelling, and collaborating with Essential Energy on a technically compliant, and commercially viable solution.
The site had operations 24/7 so we conducted shutdowns in line with their annual maintenance shutdown over the Easter period. Our crews worked during Easter to conduct the final connection alongside the site Electrician’s.
There was also a crane lift where we had to conduct pallet load assessments to ensure the roof was capable of point loading. Working with the structural engineers, and the Crane companies, we were able to determine appropriate crane selection, and landing points on the roof to ensure no damage to the roof, or underlying structures.
Minimising Disruption to Operations
TSP Energy ran 2 separate crew teams to minimise interruption to site operations, allowing Devro to continue operations during project delivery and rooftop installation.
Annual Savings & CO2 Reduction
Devro is saving approximately $101,000 annually by installing solar and undertaking this project.
Additionally, Devro is reducing CO2 contributions by 900 tonnes each year allowing them to adhere to their ESG goals, which was a core driver for this project.
TSP Energy secured an LGC rebate for this project for Devro.
Unique Characteristics of this project
- High Voltage site
- Industrial site with 24/7 operation
- We minimised disruption and worked around site operations with constant communication with the client both on site and all external stakeholders
