Electric vehicles powered by dual-axis solar trackers on Kangaroo Island

Monday, 17 February, 2014

The Kangaroo Island Airport Visible Solar Project was officially launched this week by Jayne Bates OAM, Kangaroo Island’s Mayor. The project boasts the first dual-axis solar trackers in Australia to power electric vehicles.

The dual-axis tracking system will produce more than 100 MWh of electricity each year and produce enough power to offset 100% of Kingscote Airport’s electricity use. The excess power (produced in conjunction with a 14 kW rooftop solar PV system on Council Chambers) will charge three Nissan LEAF electric vehicles.

Ingenero’s system integration team worked to deliver a solar PV system plus electric vehicle charge network to maximise benefits to the Kangaroo Island community.

“Ingenero worked collaboratively with Council to deliver a solution that not only powers the entire airport but reduces fuel costs and emissions - whilst also providing the island with another eco-tourism attraction,” said Patrick Greene, Ingenero’s National Sales Manager.

“We recommended the dual-axis trackers to the Council because we had seen from previous projects the trackers perform better than static panels. By following the path of the sun throughout the day, the panels are exposed to sunlight for a longer period of time, maximising power production. We expect the system to produce about 40% more energy than a fixed system of the same size over a full year,” said Greene.

The $500,000 project was funded by Renewables SA and was completed in partnership between Regional Development Australia, Kangaroo Island Council, Ingenero and Nissan Fleet.

“We’re immensely proud of the project which will provide the community with significant cost savings and help to protect the environment,” said Bates.

“Our collaboration with Ingenero has provided us with a solution that not only met the brief, but delivered unexpected benefits for the community and visitors. Ingenero was extremely professional throughout the process and have provided us with a solar solution that is beyond our expectations.”