A more energised future for Berwick campus
Solar panels at the Berwick campus
Monash University has further enhanced its commitment to clean energy with the opening of the largest solar panel array of any university in Australia at its Berwick campus, south east of Melbourne.
The Berwick solar panel installation follows the success of the University's solar array at its Clayton campus, installed last year bringing the University's total installed capacity of solar energy to more than 200 KWp - enough energy to power 27 domestic homes.
Another first for the University is that the Berwick solar project is the largest solar power generator in the SP AusNet electricty network that covers the eastern half of Victoria.
Dr Robin Brimblecombe, Energy and Water Manager at the University's Office of Environmental Sustainability said the Berwick array was built to reduce our carbon footprint and continue the University's commitment to clean energy.
“Monash is aiming to have a diverse portfolio of renewable energy technologies, with a significant renewable energy presence on every campus," Dr Brimblecombe said.
“Being one of our smaller campuses, the power generated by the Berwick array will represent a significant portion (around 12 per cent) of the campus energy consumption, making it one of the most sustainable campuses in Australia.”
The Faculty of Engineering will be one of the first to use the installation for research purposes.
“The array will also serve as a valuable teaching and learning facility, for students and researchers. It includes a range of technologies and is distinct from our existing arrays in the type of technologies used and style of installation," Dr Brimblecombe said
“The Berwick array is mounted directly on the roof whereas most arrays are mounted on custom framing which adds significant costs and materials.”
There are 1529 separate panels in the Berwick array and they cover more than half the roof space of the entire campus. It is expected it will save 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
The Berwick campus is the latest fit out in the University's commitment to install renewable energy technology on each campus.