Solar purchase deal signed

15 Dec 2010

The Uterne power station, meaning ‘bright sunny day’ in the local Arrente language will be the largest tracking solar power system in Australia when it is completed in May 2011.

To be installed over four hectares at Ilparpa on the outskirts of Alice Springs, the solar power station will consist of 3,048 ultra-efficient SunPower mono-crystalline panels or flat plate solar panels. Each 318 watt module will be mounted on a custom designed tracker that will follow the sun as it crosses over the sky.

Power and Water Manager Sustainable Energy Trevor Horman said the Corporation had long supported renewable energy development and was pleased to be part of the development.

“We have worked to integrate small solar systems into the electricity grid in six of our remote communities going back 20 years and we have three more small solar systems under construction,” he said.

“We integrate this into our electricity systems and already see the impact that privately-owned solar power has on the Alice Springs power system.”

The 1MW system could power 288 average homes for a year.

“Nearly 450 homeowners in Alice Springs have purchased rooftop photovoltaic systems to partially power their home with solar, but not everyone can do this,” Mr Horman said.

“This 1MW system gives everyone – particularly the half of our Alice Springs customers who are renting – the opportunity to access power supplied by solar energy.”

For more information read the fact sheet or go to Renewable energy products.

Very similar technology in use in Marble Bar, Western Australia - Photo courtesy of Horizon Power