Sustainability of Te Rimutahi's development.
Sustainability has been a key driver of Te Rimutahi's development, and the photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the canopy roof provide a real world, educational tool to assist people in understanding PV generation.
On-site, 20 panels supply an 8.8 kW grid-tied system. This enables surplus electricity to be exported to the grid for use by others, which in turn contributes to energy resilience and the decarbonisation of the grid. The panels are tier 1 panels, meaning the warranty stipulates they will still be producing 80% in 25 years’ time. Bravo!
The PV panels at Te Rimutahi are 20 x Trina 505W solar panels on a single string, without micro inverters. Single-string inverters are easy to install, offer efficient conversion, and are easy to maintaixn. They are compact and require little maintenance during their life-time. This low-maintenance feature makes string inverters more economical and practical in long-term use.
The Te Rimutahi PV panels are north-facing and tilted at a 10-degree angle for water runoff and to reduce cleaning requirements. The PVs are not fully tilted due to the aesthetic and sight-line limits.
The real-time output of kilowatts (kW) being produced by the PV panels is shown as a number on the PV display box, underneath the canopy. The Live Lightly team* is currently working on the labelling for this unit now that Te Rimutahi is complete. Soon you’ll be able to check it out for yourself to see the electricity being generated.
The Te Rimutahi panels are projected to produce 13,500 kWh per year and aim to be energy positive over a 12-month period by using the grid to cover peaks, during community event and absorb the surplus at other times. An average New Zealand household uses approximately 7000 kWh of electricity per year.
The following calculation tools may be useful for people wanting to find out more information: BRANZ www.branz.co.nz/photovoltaic-generation-calculator, or solarpower.cer.auckland.ac.nz
Te Rimutahi is a sustainability focused, urban oasis that is good for the people, good for the environment and good for Tāmaki Makaurau. Bravo!
For more information or to contact the Community-Led Design Group, please see our website: 254ponsonbyrd.org.nz or our Facebook pages: Te Rimutahi, or 254 Ponsonby Road.
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