The $1.3 million solar system at Precision Group’s Port Adelaide Plaza, comprises of 2,030 ‘SunPower’ solar panels across a roof area of approximately 5,000m2. Since it was switched on 17 January this year, it has already generated more than 35,000 kWh of energy for the centre, with the system on track to supply 50% of the Centre’s total electricity kWh per year.
To celebrate the success to date, Trevor Dill, Precision Group Chief Operating Officer and Samantha McInnes, Port Adelaide Plaza Centre Manager were joined by the Minister for Energy and Mining, Hon. Dan Van Holst Pellekaan and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, Mayor Claire Boan for a rooftop tour on Wednesday 5 February.
L to R Chief Operating Officer Trevor Dill, Mayor Claire Boan, Centre Manager Sam McInness, Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan
Samantha McInnes, Centre Manager Port Adelaide Plaza said “Precision Group have identified their electricity usage as the most important contributor to their total greenhouse gas emissions. Because we own and manage our assets, we are not only focused on the operational requirements, we also understand the importance of strategic thinking and investing in our assets for today and tomorrow. The rooftop solar system at Port Adelaide Plaza will deliver measurable and long-lasting results.”
The 824kW Port Adelaide Plaza solar system which spans approximately 5,000m2 in area, which is equal to nine full size tennis courts, will reduce Co2 emissions by 962 tonnes per annum, divert the equivalent of 38,000 bags of garbage from going to landfill each year. Autonomous Energy an award winning, Australian owned, national sustainable energy solutions company supplied and installed the system. Established in 2003, Autonomous Energy is widely regarded as the most reputable provider of commercial solar and energy efficiency projects, setting the quality benchmark for the industry.
Aerial view of the solar panels – size equivalent to 9 tennis courts
The Minister for Energy and Mining, Hon. Dan Van Holst Pellekaan, congratulated Port Adelaide Plaza for their commitment to using renewable energy to deliver both environmental and financial benefits.
“Precision Group’s solar installation is another example of the transformation of South Australia’s energy system for the provision of cheaper, more reliable and cleaner electricity. The Marshall Government’s policies are encouraging businesses and households to embrace renewable energy delivering local jobs, greater investment and lower emissions”, Minister Van Holst Pellekaan said.
City of Port Adelaide Enfield, Mayor Claire Boan said “It’s great that companies like Precision Group have chosen places like Port Adelaide Plaza to implement this forward-thinking technology. I’m incredibly proud to represent the community where business makes a positive environmental impact. Congratulation to Precision Group on this initiative.”
One of the largest solar systems in South Australia
Port Adelaide Plaza, the new and vibrant shopping Centre, 11 kilometres northwest of the Adelaide CBD is home to retailers ALDI, Coles, Kmart, Liquorland, Australia Post, Bendigo Bank, Terry White Chemmart, The Reject Shop, Paisley Park Early Learning Centre, cafes and restaurants. Providing a new level of convenience for Port Adelaide and surrounding suburbs, the next stage Port Adelaide Plaza’s development, due for completion in mid-2020, is now leasing and presents an additional 35 new retail opportunities.
With a focus on convenience, local daily needs, lifestyle and services, the retail mix is deliberately skewed towards providing quality everyday essentials for discount variety, travel, fresh produce, ready to eat take home food, financial, health, beauty and medical services and casual dining.
