SunPower completes largest solar power tracking system in Australia

BELMONT, USA: SunPower Corp., a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels, and solar systems, has completed a 505-kilowatt solar power installation for Horizon Power, a government-owned utility providing power to remote and regional communities and resource operations in Western Australia.

The ground-mounted SunPower T20 Tracker installation is located on two sites, Marble Bar and Nullagine in the east Pilbara region of Western Australia, and was commissioned earlier this year. It is the largest solar tracking system in Australia, and powers the world's first high penetration, hybrid solar-diesel power stations.

The power stations will generate approximately 1,048 megawatt hours of solar energy per year and will produce 60 percent to 90 percent of daily electricity needs. This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program and implemented by the Office of Energy in Western Australia.

"SunPower is proud to deliver Australia's first and largest T20 tracker installation, generating clean, renewable solar power for Horizon Power," said Bob Blakiston, managing director of SunPower Australia. "We also congratulate Horizon Power for being honored by the Western Australia Sustainable Energy Association with the Outstanding Achievement in Excellence and Innovation Award for its insight in bringing solar power to regional and remote areas of the country."

The system utilizes SunPower solar panels, the most efficient solar panels on the market today, with the SunPower T20 Tracker system. The T20 Tracker follows the sun's movement during the day, increasing sunlight capture by up to 30 percent over conventional fixed-tilt systems, while significantly reducing land use requirements. Worldwide, SunPower has more than 550 megawatts of solar power systems installed or under contract, including more than 200 megawatts of operational power plants in Europe.

SunPower will be exhibiting at the ATRAA Conference being held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre from August 4 through 7. Blakiston will deliver a presentation on August 5 at 11:50 a.m. on the topic, "Developing Large Scale Solar."