The large C&I rooftop market segment in Australia continues to perform strongly. Australia Post is the latest large electricity consumer to turn to rooftop PV to bring down its operating costs, adding a whopping 2.1 MW to its Chullora Parcel Facility in Sydney.
PV systems up to 100 kW qualify for small-scale technology certificates (STCs) making them financially attractive, however, it now appears that large electricity consumers are looking to invest in larger systems in the face to high and rising wholesale electricity prices.
Earlier this month, installer Natural Solar told pv magazine Australia that it is upgrading existing C&I systems with customers saying they no longer had confidence in retail electricity prices falling anytime in the near future.
“Previously the LGC [large-scale generation certificates] was seen as a hurdle for many businesses,” said Natural Solar CEO Chris Williams, “but now many businesses wan the biggest system on their roof, do it once and maximise the capacity.”
The electricity produced by the Australia Post $3 million rooftop project will be used on site in daily operations.
“The solar power installation will reduce our operational costs,” said Australia Post CFO Janelle Hopkins in a statement.
The Chullora rooftop system is the 49th solar array that Australia Post has added nationally. Combined, the systems can generate 5 GWh of electricity annually.
“Our investments in improving energy and cost efficiency of our buildings have already saved us $40 million. This project is a strong example of our commitment towards leading with environmentally sustainable business outcomes,” Hopkins said.
Australia Post reports that installation of the array was completed last month and will go live by the end of the year.
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