Solar project saves more than just energy

A 6 kW_p ground-mounted solar system for rail freight business Pacific National is expected to generate over 12,000 kWh of clean energy annually in sun-saturated Parachilna in South Australia.

Designed, constructed and installed by YINGLI 4 YOU partner, Linked Group Services, the north-orientated Parachilna Wayside Rail Monitoring Site, was connected in May 2015 and consists of 24 YGE Polycrystalline 250 W panels from Yingli Solar, four Schneider Electric MPPT60 inverters as well as the Schneider SW4024 inverter.

Pacific National required a stand-alone power supply that included a 6 kW_p ground-mounted solar system and a building that would house rail monitoring equipment, which can be accessed remotely, all confined within an eight-metre rail corridor.

Located north of Port Augusta, Parachilna is an area that sees hundreds of compartments filled with cargo that travels across the railway tracks of interior Australia.

Not only does the installation generate enough energy to meet required load and air conditioning as well as provide two days of autonomy with a back-up generator, it also significantly reduces the chances of derailment of a train in the Flinders Ranges.

Pacific National’s Mechanical Equipment Specialist, Matthew Robertson, said the company is thrilled with the project outcomes.

“We are so impressed with the result of the monitoring site in Parachilna, South Australia, we are looking to develop more in Queensland,” said Robertson.

“Our focus is to reduce Pacific National’s carbon footprint by implementing environmentally sustainable changes whilst accessing remote areas more efficiently.”

Image courtesy of Linked Group Services

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