Australia’s largest solar system to power Melbourne factory

AUSTRALIA’S largest privately owned solar system, involving more than 5000 panels, has been installed on a Natures Organics manufacturing building in Melbourne.

AUSTRALIA’S largest privately owned solar system has been installed on the factory roof of a Melbourne company.

More than 5000 panels have been installed to provide power to Natures Organics’ building in Ferntree Gully.

The company, which makes personal care and cleaning products, spent almost $3 million on the 1299kW system spanning 17,000 sqm — more than two thirds of the MCG playing surface.

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Solar panels fitted to the roof of Natures Organics in Ferntree Gully.

The system, installed by Sun Connect, is expected to produce about 1800MWh each year

from the panels on top of the Cornhill Street manufacturing building.

Natures Organics managing director Justin Dowel said the set-up was the largest privately owned system in Australia.

The company was hoping to install rechargeable batteries to store excess solar power, he said.

In May, Crown casino announced it had installed 923 solar panels on the roof of its multi-level car park.

The 300 kilowatt photovoltaic system is believed to be the biggest in the CBD and will generate enough power to run the equivalent of 70 homes.

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