Australia: breakthrough power system


On November 7th, 2014, a pioneering solar energy project was launched in Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. The first solar-powered telecom tower in Australia was integrated by Photon Energy and is part of the global "Export Initiative Renewable Energies" funded dena Renewable Energy Solutions program coordinated by Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena) and co-financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) within the initiative "renewables - Made in Germany".

The transmission tower uses mostly German technology, the 39 kWp solar power plant consists of a 216 kWh lead-acid battery system and will be powered by an 8 kVa diesel backup generator in emergencies. The system consists of 156 Q CELLS Q-PRO G3 255Wp solar modules, 3 SMA 8.0H Sunny Island inverters, as well as a 24/7 monitoring system from Photon Energy. The BAE batteries (72 BAE batteries BAE Secura PVV 2V 1500 Ah) were brought in by the Australian distributor R J batteries.


The pilot project with advanced battery storage technology ensures that during the daylight hours, the solar energy is stored via 215 kWh of battery storage, replacing the old power supply system. The transmission towers are of great importance for entertainment, communication and in vital emergency situations, which is why they have to function 24/7. The new system is able to provide constant and reliable 24/7 power supply in remote regions.


BAI, Broadcast Australia, which operates one of the most extensive broadcast transmission networks in the world, is using this advanced technology for the first time in communications and "is excited to be at the forefront" of incorporating it, said Jim Hassel, BAI Group Managing Director. Michael Gartner, Photon Energy Australia Managing Director states that “The system has been designed to be robust and reliable, choosing the highest quality possible, Australian outback solar panels from Q Cells, SMA inverters and BAE batteries are tested to ensure maximum performance and longevity among the to test Australia's toughest conditions."


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Case Study: Broadcast Tower, Australia

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