Sunshine Coast Solar Farm installs Trina Solar panels

The 15 megawatt (MW) Sunshine Coast Solar Farm project in Valdora, Australia, powered by Trina Solar panels is going to be fully operational by mid-2017.

The Sunshine Coast Solar Farm enables the local Sunshine Coast Council to become Australia's first local government to offset 100% of its electricity consumption across all its facilities and operations from renewable energy. The farm, which is solely owned by the Council, is expected to save the organisation up to $22 million, after costs, over a 30-year period based on today's cost of electricity.

Downer , who was awarded the contract to Design, Construct, Operate and Maintain the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm,  appointed Trina Solar to supply 57,000 pieces of Duomax PEG14 315 W photovoltaic (PV) solar panel modules.

The farm is the country's fifth largest installed solar plant and is built on 24 hectares in Valdora which is exposed to high winds and extreme weather conditions such as cyclones. To mitigate this, the Duomax module was selected due to its robust mechanical properties that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Commenting on the project, Ms. Helena Li , President, Asia Pacific and Middle East , Trina Solar said: "It is our great pleasure to once again work with Downer to deliver a milestone for the Australian utility industry - the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm is one of the first projects to be delivered at the 1500V rating system. We are proud to have played a part in helping the region transition into a clean energy economy."

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"We're pleased to continue growing our relationships with partners like Trina Solar to deliver large scale renewable projects and continue our leadership in the renewable energy sector," said Trevor Cohen , Executive Director, Downer Utilities.

Sunshine Coast Solar Farm will generate 15,000 kilowatts of electricity when it will be fully operational and the power will be supplied to to the local Council's administration buildings, aquatic centres, community and performance venues, as well as holiday parks, libraries, art galleries and sporting facilities. It is noteworthy that the electricity generated over a year is enough to power about 5000 homes.

Trina Solar Limited is a global leader in photovoltaic modules, solutions and services.