The solar power system, installed on 6 separate buildings at the Adelaide Showground in South Australia, could be the largest PV installation in Australia. The rooftop system is being commissioned by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia.

John Carrington, First Solar’s Executive Vice President of marketing and business development, says: “This project marks the beginning of what we expect to be a very promising future for solar energy in Australia. Australia’s policy initiatives have set the stage for the growth of affordable renewable energy, and First Solar’s advanced, cost-effective solar technology is a perfect fit.”

Solar Shop, in an alliance partnership with building and engineering company Build Environs Pty Ltd, will design and construct the 1 MW solar PV installation. Construction is anticipated to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2009. The power produced by the solar installation will be used predominantly at the Adelaide Showground site.