As of 2022, the national portfolio of facilities have a total of 53,967 solar panels installed, with 17.66 million solar kWh generated and 11,897 Co2 emissions saved.
Not only is the number of solar panels installed extensive, polytec's manufacturing division Australian Panels Oberon facility is now considered Australia’s largest rooftop solar system with a stunning 27,000 panels installed over 8 hectares of rooftop. The 10MWdc roof-mounted solar PV system powers the particleboard facility, dealing approximately one-third of the plant’s energy requirements.
The project was installed by Newcastle-based engineering, procurement and construction provider earthconnect, finalising the two-year endeavour and boosting generation capacity to 10MWdc.
The solar panel extension comprises 21,000 385 W modules that are spread across approximately 45 kilometres of mounting rail, coupled with 53 110,000 Tl inverters. The original system was formed with 6,000 solar modules and 28 50,000 TL inverters, with the new stage additionally combined.
The rooftop solar system is expected to generate 14 GWh of clean energy annually, helping to reduce carbon emissions by up to 15,000 tonnes. The Oberon system adds to the company’s already extensive solar portfolio, with 1.3MW solar installation at the Australian Panels Charmhaven facility and 2.1MW of solar energy generated at the Somersby location.
polytec is continuing to strive for a greener future and aim to lessen the environmental impact of manufacturing by promoting vertical integration and a circular economy.
