Uni in solar lead

MONASH University Ber-wick Campus has made a huge step forward to reducing its carbon footprint.
Professor Edwina Cornish, who is the senior deputy vice-chancellor and DVC Research joined fellow professors, students and local dignitaries at the campus on Monday to celebrate the opening of a new Photovoltaic Solar Array.
The solar array is the largest of any array at an Australian University and is the largest solar array on the electrical network in the region. It is comprised of 1529 separate panels and will provide 12 per cent of the campus power usage annually.
The solar array will reduce CO2 emissions by 200 tonnes each year, with the total capacity reaching 119 KWp.
The project, which costed almost half a million dollars, was organised by the university’s Office of Environmental Sustainability and took about a year to produce.
Monash University’s Energy and Water manager Dr Rob Brimblecombe said the project was a great move for the environment.
“I would like to think our university is leading the way,” Dr Brimblecombe said.
“The project was all about our environmental impact. Monash is keen to reduce its carbon footprint. Berwick campus had a favourable roof space, so it was a great opportunity to produce this (solar array),” he said.
“It will also be used for student learning and demonstrations for energy. We are hoping it will benefit high school students in Berwick and also undergrads. Final year engineering students can also use it for research.”
Dr Brimblecombe said the solar array should never need an upgrade or a service.