Noosaville Library solar project a first for Australia

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Australia’s first curved-roof solar installation has just been completed at Noosaville Library in a move that should generate almost half of the library’s electricity needs.

Two-hundred-and-fifty lightweight eArche solar panels were installed on the building’s curved roofline; a task made possible by the innovative, flexible non-glass product.

“These solar panels are accredited by the Clean Energy Council and will have a significant impact on reducing the cost of electricity consumption for the building,” said Mayor Tony Wellington.

“They are thin and flexible, cyclone rated and work with the unique curved roofline of the library.”

Cr Wellington said the installation is another significant step towards reducing Council’s carbon footprint.

“This is another innovative leap towards our promise of being carbon neutral by 2026.

“The library joins nine other council facilities that are now generating electricity through large solar installations, some of which are slashing power consumption by up to 80 per cent.”

The non-glass panels, which weigh 5.5 kilograms each, have the same power output as a conventional 20-kilogram glass panel.

“Local contractors spent about two weeks installing the 72.5-kilowatt system, which was mounted to the roof using a special adhesive.

“The installation was less labour-intensive than traditional glass panels. What’s more, it is much lighter, fits the unique curved architecture of the roofline and will contribute towards cutting electricity costs for the facility.

“The non-glass panels also perform better in extreme weather conditions such as hail. With the summer storm season upon us, the timing couldn’t be better.”