The Wilpena Pound Resort in Flinders Ranges is powered by the largest off-grid PV system in Australia The 1,5 million USD hybrid system delivers reliable, high quality power 24 hours a day, while offering a quiet, efficient and environmentally sound power supply, that is sensitive to the natural surroundings. The site was chosen to optimize the collection of solar energy, whilst minimising visual impact from the area's highest landmark, reducing the risk of excavating aboriginal remains during construction and minimising noise intrusion. The power station combines 100 kWp PV, 400 kWh of battery storage, an inverter and 440 kWp of diesel generators. At night a computerized smart controller automatically switches between the battery storage and the most-efficient diesel generator combination to match the load. A modem-link provides remote monitoring and control facilities. The plan was designed and built by Prime Power Systems, and is owned by ETSA Power, which is required to supply the resort with electricity at the same cost and reliability as the grid. The system is giving ETSA valuable hands-on experience to help evaluate similar instances, where grid-extension or replacement is not economic. Information Monica Oliphant ETSA Telephone: +61 8 8404 4391 [ Top ] [ Previous article in PV Power ] [ Next issue of PV Power ]

Project summary • Location: Wilpena Pound, South Australia • System: Off-grid, AC, hybrid system combined with 3 diesel generators totalling 440 kWp • Power: 100 kWp ground mounted array • Modules: 1 260 x 80 Wp Solarex multi-crystalline Si modules • Storage: 400 kWh Sonnenschein Gel battery storage capacity • Inverter: Single AES 125 kVa inverter • PV offsets approximately 200 l (40%) of the Resort's daily diesel fuel need • Information: Monica Oliphant, ETSA, Telephone: +61 8 8404 4391