In 2008, Claremont College - an independent school in Randwick, Sydney - commissioned Autonomous Energy to complete a professional energy audit to determine the most cost effective ways to reduce energy at their school. After a detailed review of historic electricity consumption patterns and a comprehensive onsite assessment and survey of occupancy patterns, Autonomous Energy’s engineers developed customised solutions to drastically reduce energy consumption at the school. We conducted several detailed calculations to estimate costs and savings associated with each option, relative to the current tariff paid by the school. Benchmarks were provided and 25 specific technological upgrade recommendations were made.
In 2010, Claremont College contracted Autonomous Energy to implement virtually all of the recommendations made in the Energy Audit report. This included installation of a 10kW Solar Power system. This system was one of the first solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Sydney installed under the Commonwealth Government’s National Solar Schools Program.
Autonomous Energy solution
- Energy efficiency measures included an upgrade of all lighting in the school, presence detectors throughout all buildings as well as automation of air-conditioning equipment, electrical equipment and hot water services.
- Autonomous Energy also installed a 10kW solar PV system and full data monitoring & visualisation system. The system comprises 74 world record efficiency multi-crystalline PV Solar Panels manufactured by Kyocera, and 2 SMA inverters.
- The array is mounted on engineered, solar specific mounting equipment and is connected to two SMA Solar inverters via premium quality (USE2 rated) DC solar cabling. The inverter connects to the electricity network via a digital gross production meter which enables Claremont College to access the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme, which provides ongoing income from the export and sale of Solar electricity to the electricity network.
- Autonomous Energy also installed an integrated Data Capture, Storage and Visualisation System (DCSVS) which monitors and displays in real-time a range of information, including Solar electricity production, the school's total electricity consumption, ambient temperature, sunlight levels and module temperature. This website can be accessed by students and the school community.
- The solar PV system delivers Annual Energy Production = 15,921kWh. Annual Emissions Reduction = 16,920 kg CO 2-e
- Autonomous Energy has been monitoring the energy performance post upgrade and the following results have so far been proven: 40% reduction in overall energy consumption and a 78% reduction in energy costs as a result of the combination of energy efficiency upgrades and onsite renewable energy generation.
What Claremont College says
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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 by an Australian school.
They provided consistently excellent service throughout the process, including the initial energy and carbon audits, designing and installing a 10kW Solar PV system on the steepest roof at 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.
It is great working Autonomous Energy to improve sustainability at the College. They are thorough, reliable and went out of their way to help. Autonomous Energy share our long term values of sustainability and have demonstrated their commitment to environmental education. I have no hesitation in recommending Autonomous Energy as a company that is truly independent, competent, creative, committed to both customer service and working closely with clients to make the world a better place.
- Doug Thomas, Principal, Claremont College