FIMER’s PVS-100 inverter technology and its 519kW solar system has been installed on La Trobe University’s new sports facility at its Bundoora Campus in Melbourne, Victoria.

La Trobe University has seven campuses across Victoria and New South Wales and in 2019, it committed itself to reach ‘net zero’ emissions by 2029 through a long-term initiative.

The new facility was completed in January 2020 as part of the staged development of the park and includes an indoor stadium with six multi-purpose highball courts, a teaching and research building with world-class sport science and analytics research laboratories, and office space for commercial tenants.

Elite Solar Pro, an industry-leading solar and energy EPC based in Victoria, completed the 519kW system, which has over 1,100 470W panels installed on the stadium roof and five FIMER PVS-100 three-phase string inverters.

FIMER’s five PVS-100-TL string inverters are located on the roof and built into a custom-made enclosure. The PVS-100 inverter, which is made in Italy, is ideal for this type of application where energy demand fluctuates, and the high power-rating of each inverter means that fewer units are required, reducing CAPEX, due to its high-power density and cuts OPEX as it is quick to install, easy to configure and maintain.

FIMER Australia technical sales lead Warren Merritt supported the installation and commissioning, including setting up the system’s communications: “The PVS-100 offers businesses and organisations with the power, quality and flexibility to meet their energy requirements,” he says.

“This is an impressive installation of the PVS-100 on a fantastic facility. It has been a pleasure to work with La Trobe University on this project as they continue their solar journey.”

The 519kW system is connected to FIMER’s Aurora Vision Plant Management platform, enabling the system to be monitored and managed remotely.

The stadium was awarded Australia’s first ‘6 Star Green Star Design and As Built v1.2 certified rating” for a sports building by the Green Building Council Australia.