-100 kilowatt PV plants on zoo’s buildings for self-consumption
-Melbourne Zoo is the world’s first certified carbon neutral zoo
-Q CELLS modules convince with their low light behavior
-Hanwha Q CELLS Australia criticizes the government’s Renewable Energy Target plans (RET)
[Melbourne, Australia, 10 October 2014] – Melbourne Zoo, the world’s first certified carbon neutral zoo, has this month installed solar PV, taking another step in their plan to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation. Three separate rooftop systems of more than 100 kilowatt (kW) have been built on the zoo’s buildings. The PV plants have been reliably producing energy since the beginning of September for the zoo’s self-consumption of solar electricity.
Hanwha Q CELLS, the largest European PV provider, has delivered 390 Q CELLS Q.PRO-G3 255 solar panels for the units. Q CELLS modules supply both the zoo’s elephant and baboon enclosures and its headquarters with electricity. The PV system were designed and installed by Madison Australia. It will provide 140MWh of electricity yearly, the equivalent energy needs of 22 average Victorian homes – offsetting approximately 160 tons of CO2 per annum. The zoo has therefore been added to the list of green credentials for the world’s first certified carbon neutral zoo.
Zoo Director Kevin Tanner said that solar power is in line with other zoo sustainability initiatives, including the water treatment plant which produces water for maintaining the grounds and flushing toilets and the extensive composting program which turns zoo waste into excellent garden compost. The innovative composting system uses green waste such as branches, ‘zoo poo’ from elephants and other herbivores, and the biodegradable packaging used in the zoo’s catering operations
