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Queensland Energy Minister Stephen Robertson today announced contracts have been completed for the installation of a 266 kW PV solar power system on the roof of Hervey Bay Hospital.

The Hervey Bay project is worth around 1.3 million dollars and is the largest rooftop PV solar power system on any Queensland hospital. The Queensland government led by Anna Bligh has committed 4 million dollars to renewable energy along the Fraser Coast.

ABB Australia has been awarded the project at a value of 1.3 Million dollars using ABB components and inverters and Australian made panels from Silex Australia. Jason Venning who managers ABB’s power generation on Australia has stated that this will mark a significant milestone for ABB in Australia. The Hospital has already reduced its energy consumption significantly by implementing a number of energy efficient initiatives.

Roughly 385 MW hours of solar powered renewable energy will be produced each year from 266 kW of Silex Australia panels on 15 different roofs. The estimated savings are in excess of $20,000 per year on electricity costs and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 400   tonnes annually. See below for an image of Hervey Bay Hospital rooftop.

MP Robertson stated during tender stage that tenders were invited to submit “creative and innovative proposals” for the project.

“This project underlines the Government's commitment to making Queensland the Solar State and works towards our goal of doubling the state's solar energy use over the next five years,” Mr. Robertson said.
“The Queensland Government is providing funding to the Wide Bay Water Corporation, which will advertise and run the tender process for these solar projects.  It's now up to industry to come forward with the best and brightest solar systems for Hervey Bay.”

According to ABB Australia, who are supplying the components for the project that will link the solar panels with the main hospital building management system. The project will include an interactive web-kiosk and large screen television in the foyer to display real time data as an educational tool for visitors; allowing them to "see" the energy produced by the solar power system.