DFO CAIRNS

1.3MW

The Sentinel owned and managed DFO shopping centre in Cairns has very high energy consumption due to consistently high ambient temperatures. The 1,300kW system was designed to off-set almost all of the peak day time energy consumption of the centre. 

GEM Energy were awarded the project after a competitive tender process based on proven capability in delivering large projects on shopping centres. We were also able to demonstrate superior engineering in design and therefore better value for money. After working closely with the client, a system was designed to meet specific performance ratios and maintain high utilisation of the solar energy produced.

1,300kW of solar panels were installed in a 5 month period. The project commenced in February and was commissioned in July 2019. High ambient temperature, severe winds and general stormy conditions experienced in far north QLD meant that the program had to be executed well to meet budget and timeframes. GEM Energy achieved practical completion on this installation in 5 months and have been able to reduce energy consumption across the site by over 30%.