N o o s a S h i r e , Q u e e n s l a n d
*Expected savings are estimates based on current retailer electricity costs and predicted future costs, with the inclusion of tax benefits from depreciation of the system. © GoZERO Energy Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
Solar-Powered Macadamia Farm Saves Energy, Moneyand the Environment
Elgin Nut Farm
+61 (0 )7 3121 3179 | GOZERO.ENERGY
Located in the foothills of Mt Mothar, Queensland the Elgin Nut Farm (the Farm) processing factory is surrounded by macadamia orchards. During harvesting season, the energy consumption rises significantly to drive the machines that dehusk the macadamia nuts.
Despite the seasonal operations of the Farm, GoZERO engineering analysis demonstrated significant savings benefits from the installation of a 30 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system. GoZERO forecasts a reduction in the Farm’s electricity costs by half in the first year alone. With an expected life of over 20 years, the solar system will provide many more years of savings on electricity costs.
The Solar PV system was a natural choice for the environmentally conscious Farm operators. By swapping from fossil-fired electricity to sun powered electricity the farmer will reduce his CO2 emissions by 42 tonnes per year.
Peace of mind that the system is performing as expected is provided by a combi-nation of GoZERO best industry practices and ongoing support: engineered design, CEC accredited installation, Tier 1 PV panels and GoZERO guarantees on top of any manufacturer guarantees.
K E Y F A C T S LOCATION:
Noosa Shire, QLD
SYSTEM SIZE:
30kW
INSTALLED:
August 2015
EST. LIFETIME CO2 REDUCTION:
900 tonnes
EST. ANNUAL ENERGY PRODUCTION:
42,740 kWh
ANNUAL ELECTRICITY SAVINGS:
$6,672
TOTAL SAVINGS OVER LIFECYCLE:
$175,927*
SOLAR PANELS:
WINAICO 260W
INVERTER:
SMA STP25000TL
*Expected savings are estimates based on current retailer electricity costs and predicted future costs. © GoZERO Energy Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
N o o s a S h i r e , Q L DMacadamia Exports Australia
+61 (0 )7 3121 3179 | GOZERO.ENERGY
Macadamia Roaster Saves Energy Costs withPower Factor Correction
After harvesting and dehusking, the next stage in macadamia nut processing is handled at a roasting and packaging facility. The facility has a range of equipment that inherently causes a reduction in the overall “power factor” of the site.
GoZERO’s detailed engineering modelling determined a significant reduction in electricity charges could be achieved through the installation of a Power Factor Correction (PFC) system. The modelling allows GoZero to confidently provide a five-year performance guarantee in addition to the manufacturer’s equipment warranties and installer workmanship warranties.
K E Y F A C T S LOCATION:
Noosa Shire, QLD
SYSTEM SIZE:
38.0 kVAR
MANUFACTURER:
Schneider Electric
INSTALLED:
August 2015
POWER FACTOR BEFORE:
0.93
POWER FACTOR AFTER:
0.98
ANNUAL ELECTRICITY SAVINGS:
$1,246*
Power Factor Correction – Reducing the Cholesterol ofPower Lines
A low power factor is undesirable for utilities in terms of operating efficiency and economics. Low power factor creates the transmission of unusable (reactive) power through the electricity grid. This unusable power causes the utility to incur costs in the forms of additional transmission losses and the requirement for network upgrades.
In order to account for the burden of low power factor, Energex has recently adopted a new method of metering for large customers. In a form of price signalling the new system charges customers for demand in apparent power measured in kVA, which accounts for the power factor in the demand charge. Previously customers were charged based on kW, but since kVA includes the unusable power whereas kW previously did not, customers will see an increase in their electricity costs – but power factor correction improves the waste lag between voltage and current, and thus reduces kVA costs. In many cases GoZERO is predicting payback periods of less than 2 years by installing PFC.
There are also additional monetary incentives available to Energex customers in certain areas. What this means for you is that having a poor power factor means often significantly higher electricity bills. Call GoZERO today for an obligation free assessment and quote.
Lag between voltage and current creates wastein the grid
Wasteful lag is decreased to reduce the need forelectrical infrastructure upgrades
Voltage Current Waste
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