UQ Solar Array
UQ's array is one of only 31 CPV tracking panels in Australia; the ground-mounted array tracks the sun across the sky each day
A seven-metre by six-metre Concentrating Photovoltaic Array has been installed on Sir Fred Schonell Dr, adjacent to UQ’s multistorey carparks.
The ground-mounted array tracks the sun across the sky each day and had its first full-sun, non-cloudy day on 23 March 2011, allowing it to be calibrated to the sun and to start generating power.
The 8.4 kilowatt CPV array is valued at about $90,000 and has been donated by Ingenero, the Brisbane firm that won the contract to install the PV solar array across four rooftops at UQ St Lucia. UQ's is one of only 31 CPV tracking panels in Australia; the other 30 are at the Alice Springs Airport (also installed by Ingenero).
The CPV tracking panel uses different technology to the rest of the UQ Solar array:
- It is made up of 28 parabolic focussing, photovoltaic modules, each with 20 individual reflectors and a high-efficiency triple-junction semiconductor solar cell.
- It is motor-driven on a dual axis to keep it closely aligned with the sun so optimum solar harvesting is ensured.
In general, the CPV array is more efficient than traditional PV panels when the sun is shining, but less efficient than traditional panels on overcast days.
Having the two different types of technology operating side by side will allow a range of comparative data to be produced.
System Specification
7m by 6m Concentrating Photovoltaic Array
Research Contact
Roger Whitby
Ingenero General Manager
Phone: 0400 751 911
Industry Partners
SolFocus and Ingenero