The Australian National Maritime Museum has announced on Wednesday that it had completed the country's largest ever lightweight solar panel roof installation.
According to the museum's Director and CEO, Kevin Sumption, the renewable energy investment is part of the facility's commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to its day-to-day operations.
Able to pump out 235 kilowatts of power, the new system is expected to save the venue around 25 percent of its electricity consumption.
Positioned in Sydney's iconic Darling Harbour area, Sumption said the beloved museum has been looking to install solar panels for a number of years but due to the venue's 30 degree-angled roof, conventional solar panel made of glass would be too heavy for the structure to bear.
"We came across a unique glass-free solar panel from (a company called) SunMan," he said.
"The 5.5 kilograms lightweight panels could overcome the building's structural challenges and also have the same power output as 20 kilograms conventional panels."
Named the "eArche," the panels were also used on the world's first solar-powered train which operates in the Northern New South Wales State city of Byron Bay.
Editor:Cherie
