ARENA backs trials of re-deployable rooftop PV systems in Australia

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced on Friday a grant of AUD 975,000 (USD 662,250/EUR 614,250) to fund trials of re-deployable rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations developed by local startup Solpod Pty Ltd.

Solpod’s AUD-5-million project consists of a solution to fit solar panels on rooftops by using re-deployable racking and mounting systems, making them easily removable and deployed elsewhere. The startup will install its systems, called pods, totalling close to 2.5 MW at 25 sites across the states of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Each site will have a solar PV installation of up to 100 kW.

Solpod will partner with Australian utility ERM Power to test the solution on the rooftops of shopping centres, commercial and government buildings. ERM Power will be responsible for contracting property owners and the delivery of the demonstration programme including billing the Solpod power purchase agreements (PPAs).

“Solpod’s new way of installing solar will pave the way for businesses who were previously locked out of rooftop solar to take up renewable energy solutions and options under shorter term power purchase agreements", ARENA CEO Darren Miller said.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.71/EUR 0.63)

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