Autonomous Energy has designed, installed and commissioned a 60kW Solar PV system at Pymble Ladies' College (PLC). The system was installed in two phases, the first phase (16kW) was commissioned in July 2011 and the second phase (60kW) went live in February 2012. This impressive industrial size solar PV system is part of PLC's dedicated Environmental Management Plan and commitment to sustainability.

The system comprises world record efficiency 215W multi-crystalline PV solar modules manufactured by Kyocera. The array is mounted on engineered, solar specific mounting equipment and is connected to SMA three phase inverters via premium quality (USE2 rated) DC solar cabling. The inverters connect to the electricity network via a new solar distribution board and a digital bi-directional CT meter which enables Pymble Ladies' College to use the solar electricity first and export any excess electricity produced to the electricity network. A specialised Solar Data Monitoring system has also been installed which collects and displays a range of data including solar power output from the inverters, sunlight levels, ambient temperature, cell temperature and much more. This data is presented on a customised Online Web Portal.

Using CEC guidelines Autonomous Energy has conservatively estimated that the system will produce approximately 86,403 kW hours p.a. and reduce GHG emissions by 91,588 kg CO2-e p.a. This equates to permanently removing 73 small cars from the road or enough energy to power 25 households.

"As a market leader in the field of sustainability Autonomous Energy provided Pymble Ladies’ College with the expertise, experience and counsel that resulted in the successful delivery of a significant solar grant application.  In partnership with Autonomous Energy we have commissioned and installed a number of key energy saving initiatives that include solar panels, lighting and an energy audit program. Our investment in these initiatives will without doubt deliver both short and long term benefits to the College."

Roger Shewell
Director of Finance, Pymble Ladies' College

“Autonomous Energy has taken a holistic approach to revolutionising the way we use energy at Claremont College and to improving sustainability at our school. We have engaged Autonomous Energy on a number of sustainability projects which have resulted in Claremont College completing the first comprehensive sustainable energy upgrade of a school in Australia. They provided consistently excellent service throughout this process, including the initial energy and carbon audits, designing and installing a 10kW Solar PV system with their in house solar engineers on the steepest roof in the school, and implementing energy efficiency upgrades throughout the school. They communicated with the students, staff and the school community, presenting at a number of school events and meetings. Autonomous Energy share the same long term values of sustainability as we do at Claremont and have also demonstrated their commitment to environmental education. I have no hesitation in recommending Autonomous Energy as a company that is truly independent, competent, creative, problem solving focused and committed to customer service and to working closely with its clients to make the world a better place”.

Doug Thomas
Principal, Claremont College

“The staff at Autonomous Energy are more than just solar engineers. They understand energy, collaborate other projects, manage all the details of the assignment from funding application, through to design, supply, and installation.”

Byron Cullen
Business Manager, Knox Grammar School

Click here to view the Knox Senior School live data monitoring portal

Click here to view the Knox Prep School live data monitoring portal

"Autonomous Energy were a terrific company to work with, from the early stages of the grant application through to the completion of the project they were extreemly prfessional in all aspects of the process. Autonomous Energy was happy to work with the school to minimise the impact of installing the panels. If you want to work with a professional company that endeavours to provide you with best possible results I can recommend Autonomous Energy."

Peter West
Director of Construction & Property, Abbotsleigh