Dave Savastano10.10.14
Melbourne Zoo, the world’s first certified carbon neutral zoo, has this month installed solar PV, taking another step in their plan to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organization. Three separate rooftop systems of more than 100 kilowatt (kW) have been built on the zoo’s buildings. The PV plants have been reliably producing energy since the beginning of September for the zoo’s self-consumption of solar electricity.
Hanwha Q CELLS has delivered 390 Q CELLS Q.PRO-G3 255 solar panels for the units. Q CELLS modules supply both the zoo’s elephant and baboon enclosures and its headquarters with electricity. The PV system were designed and installed by Madison Australia. It will provide 140MWh of electricity yearly, the equivalent energy needs of 22 average Victorian homes – offsetting approximately 160 tons of CO2 per annum. The zoo has therefore been added to the list of green credentials for the world’s first certified carbon neutral zoo.
Zoo director Kevin Tanner said that solar power is in line with other zoo sustainability initiatives, including the water treatment plant which produces water for maintaining the grounds and flushing toilets and the extensive composting program which turns zoo waste into excellent garden compost.
Already in the past, the zoo’s corporate center had replaced all of its fluorescent and incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, reducing its demand from 22,000 kWh per year to 6,200 kWh.
Hanwha Q CELLS has delivered 390 Q CELLS Q.PRO-G3 255 solar panels for the units. Q CELLS modules supply both the zoo’s elephant and baboon enclosures and its headquarters with electricity. The PV system were designed and installed by Madison Australia. It will provide 140MWh of electricity yearly, the equivalent energy needs of 22 average Victorian homes – offsetting approximately 160 tons of CO2 per annum. The zoo has therefore been added to the list of green credentials for the world’s first certified carbon neutral zoo.
Zoo director Kevin Tanner said that solar power is in line with other zoo sustainability initiatives, including the water treatment plant which produces water for maintaining the grounds and flushing toilets and the extensive composting program which turns zoo waste into excellent garden compost.
Already in the past, the zoo’s corporate center had replaced all of its fluorescent and incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, reducing its demand from 22,000 kWh per year to 6,200 kWh.