Museum Director and CEO, Mr Kevin Sumption PSM said the unique solar panel system was part of the museum’s commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally approach to its day to-day operations. The 235kW solar panel system has enabled the museum to offset up to 25% of Wharf 7’s electricity consumption.
Kevin Sumption said the museum had been exploring the possibility of installing solar panels to Wharf 7 for a number of years. However conventional heavy glass solar panels could not cope with the roof’s 30 degree pitch and weight bearing issues. “We came across a unique glass-free solar panel from SUMAN. The 5.5 kg lightweight panels could overcome the building’s structural challenges and also have the same power output as 20kg conventional panels” he said.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM INSTALLS AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST LIGHTWEIGHT SOLAR PANEL ROOF Source: by AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
The ground-breaking solar panel used by the museum is called the ‘eArche’ and was developed by renowned Australian solar scientist Dr Zhengrong Shi of SunMan Energy Co Ltd. The panels were also responsible for creating the world’s first solar-powered train in Byron Bay.
“When I developed eArche I knew it could unlock the potential for solar on buildings which were previously unable to support conventional glass solar panels,” said Dr Shi.
Dr Shi Zhengrong Source: SBS
“eArche innovations such as its light weight, flexibility, high performance and competitive costs, means that solar can now be applied to any building design”.
The Wharf 7 Heritage Centre stands adjacent to the main museum building, and homes significant Australian boat collections, the Sydney Heritage Fleet and office space.
Australian National Maritime Museum Source: by Australian National Maritime Museum
