Tenix completes first stage of grid-connected solar farm

Infrastructure solutions company Tenix has completed the design and construction of the first stage of a demonstration grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar farm, located at Bungendore in southern NSW.

The 124 kW farm has been designed and built by Tenix on behalf of renewable energy company Infigen Energy, which owns the land, to trial innovative technology options and construction techniques to position the companies for future large-scale projects. Among the alternatives being trialled are: footing types to suit a range of ground conditions; PV panel-mounting structures; and PV module technology.

The solar farm has been built adjacent to the existing Capital Wind Farm and connects into Essential Energy’s 11 kV distribution network. Trevor Cohen, executive general manager, eastern division, Tenix, noted that it is “the first solar farm to sell directly into the National Electricity Market (NEM)”. It is the first stage of what is envisaged to be a larger 1000 kW farm.

“The demonstration PV solar farm design and build adds to Tenix’s established renewable generation experience and capability in wind, geothermal and hydro,” said Cohen.

The lessons learnt from the project will be applied to the design of future utility-scale PV plants.

Tenix’s sustainability credentials were also recently boosted when the company was awarded Australia’s first IS (Infrastructure Sustainability) ‘Excellent’ design rating for two sewage treatment plants in North Queensland.