Behind-the-meter solar installation delivers

One of Australia’s largest food and beverage manufacturers has realised the beginning of its solar and battery journey, signalling a commitment to sustainability, thanks to a new solar and battery installation at its Shepparton, Victoria, site.

The 3.8 MW solar and 500 kW/1250 kW battery project at Freedom Foods Group (FFG) was installed by AEES Group, partnering with FIMER for project design, delivery, installation and commissioning.

A high-voltage (HV) site, the Shepparton site feeds its solar generation into three HV skids via FIMER’s 1500V PVS-175 string inverters, connected into the site’s HV transformers.

This project was the first in Australia to employ FIMER’s largest string inverters. 

Built over three stages and completed in February 2020, the project features a total of 18 PVS-175 three-phase string inverters. FIMER’s inverter technology delivers larger capacity, without compromising the inherent flexibility and versatility typical of smaller string inverters. With the larger capacity, fewer inverters are required to complete the optimal power block.

The total solution provided by FIMER includes the following:

• 18 x PVS-175 string inverters
• Spare parts kit
• Commissioning of the inverters
• 72 hours of on-site support for the first year of operation.
   

Richard Martin, Managing Director of AEES Group, said the PVS-175 delivered on project requirements.

“FIMER’s PVS-175 was the ideal choice for delivering this landmark project.

“The flexibility and power specifications this inverter could deliver, coupled with FIMER’s technical know-how and experience, meant we were able to meet our customer’s expectations and deliver a superior and reliable solution,” he said.

FIMER’s approach with the PVS-175 also offers 1500 VDC (volts direct current) and 800 VAC (volts alternating current) — the largest solution available on the market. Due to the higher AC and DC voltage, the solution provides the greatest cost savings, with increased return on investment. The solution is plug and play, enabling faster installation. The company’s Aurora Vision Plant Management Platform is used for the remote monitoring of the entire system.

The solar and battery solution will see 5.36 GWh produced annually, which equates to an emission reduction of approximately 5500 metric tonnes of CO₂ per year.