South Perth-based Prime Solar Power Pty Ltd is in the process of developing its first pilot solar power project in Western Australia.
South Perth-based Prime Solar Power Pty Ltd is in the process of developing its first pilot solar power project in Western Australia.
The company, established on February 1 this year, has started preparations for a photovoltaic (pv) project at Perenjori, 348 kilometres north-east of Perth, capable of producing up to two megawatts of power for the small community.
Prime Solar Power director Harsh Grover said the project would cost between $14 million and $18 million, with a final figure depending on the last stage of design.
“We are looking to target the fringe of the grid initially,” he said. “Other shires in the area around Perenjori have shown interest in the development of the PV project.”
Mr Grover said the company expected to complete the project by mid 2007.
The Perenjori project is likely to consist of between 15,000 and 30,000 solar panels, 40 centimetres by 50cm in size, and is expected to cover half a hectare.
Mr Grover said the company had developed a concept for a 10MW solar park project, which would offer an opportunity to individuals and businesses to own sufficient solar power generation systems.
“[Solar parks] would be a first in Australia,” he told WA Business News. “They are in operation throughout Europe and so we thought it would be a good idea to bring them over here.”
Prime Solar Power believes the solar parks will provide benefits to the owners of the solar pv systems through reduced electricity costs and environmental benefits due to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The company undertakes projects based on pollution-free innovative solar pv systems providing power to utility, community, industry and government.
Future projects include solar pv system units of 10 and 20 kilowatts planned for release to individuals and businesses in 2007, with project completion expected in 2009.
Prime Solar Power chairman John Carstairs said the company, as well as being an independent project developer and system integrator, aimed for recog-nition as a leading solar power provider.
“Currently there is no other company in Australia offering the range of services that is being offered by Prime Solar Power,” he said.
