01. Solar Farm | Pre-Construction
Pre-constUrction
After receiving development application (DA) approvals, Greenwood Systems began electrical design for five solar farms in NSW, including this one in Kootingal
ENGAGING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Our work takes us to the most beautiful towns - part of our job is to give back wherever possible!
Preserving the land, flora and fauna is part of Greenwood’s commitment to a cleaner, brighter future. Engaging First Nations peoples, not just as custodians of the land, but in the supplier and equipment procurement process wherever possible. Giving back to community and local economies is part of Greenwood’s mandate - and we better our processes with every job.
SITE SET-UP
There’s plenty to get done on-site before breaking ground
Time for fencing, signage and security cameras to be installed. Site sheds and facilities erected too - ensuring our People stay safe, healthy and fed, and that our equipment is safely stored and secured.
02. Solar Farm | Construction Phase
FROM DESIGNS, TO REALITY
Our engineering team is about to see their hard work be physically brought to-life
The Greenwood Systems team have worked tirelessly to get the solar farms ready for construction. Using specialist tools (and brainpower) to complete feasibility, earthing and impact studies. Drafting, revising and finalising the electrical design - a process made more efficient by virtue of the EPC team being under the same physical (and metaphorical roof). Not to mention ensuring connection and DNSP compliance. Having the capabilities to do all this engineering work under the same roof as the Projects team allows for smooth, efficient and flexible processes.
BREAKing GROUND!
Our solar farm in Kootingal, NSW called for 1465 piles to be erected with precision
During the piling phase, accuracy is paramount, especially as elements like gradient and earth type vary dramatically from site-to-site. Once our piles are measured up and secured, the panelling process can begin.
TRACKING SYSTEM & PANEL ORIENTATION
Maximum energy yield year-round was our key objective
While Kootingal’s generative capacity is capped at 5MW, the design theoretically enables 8.5MW of energy to be generated by the ~10,000 panels. This over-specification by Greenwood Systems’ engineers was deliberate, as it allows our East-West configured system to generate the highest consistent yield. Throughout the day, in every season, for decades to-come. Here’s Robbie with a simple explainer:
NOW, FOR OUR SOLAR PANELS
The ‘Golden Row’: a major milestone!
Before we install 10,000 solar panels on our 14 acre site, we want to conduct a prototype of sorts. This process - nicknamed the ‘Golden Row’ - is an important one, as it helps to identify any issues early. Preventing labour inefficiencies, mitigating error risk and, ultimately, minimising project delays.
Once everything is ‘Mickey Mouse’ with the Golden Row, the team can get to work on rolling out the panels, sector by sector.
TIME TO LAY CABLE
Now, electrical work & cable management
It may not sound exciting, but Kootingal’s cable management solution was a stroke of engineering genius - gotta give ‘em some praise! The hangers were installed in such a way that the cables were left exposed, instead of being stored in big, ugly and unnecessary conduits. Nice and tidy cable management.
TURNIN’ DC-AC
A solar farm inverter is no joke
Big cranes and steely technicians were needed to execute the installation and connection of the inverter with absolute precision. Because, without pinpoint accuracy, when the proverbial switch is flicked: nada.
03. Energisation, DNSP & Connection
ELECTRIFY - OH, YEAH!
Our solar farm is ready for Energisation!
Well, almost ready. There’s testing, inspections, applications and works to be completed in order to comply with the respective DNSP’s (Distributed Network Service Provider) needs. Thankfully, the Systems team are experts in grid connection and DNSP compliance - so our solar farms came online without issue!
