Melbourne Zoo installs 100kW solar for elephants, baboons, humans

Melbourne Zoo has installed more than 100kW of solar PV this month, adding to the list of green credentials for the world’s first certified carbon neutral zoo.

The 390 solar panels from Q CELLS will power the Zoo’s elephant and baboon enclosures – via a 33kW array and a 13kW array, respectively – while a larger 55kW system has been installed on the roof of the Zoo’s corporate centre & gift shop.

Designed and installed by Madison Australia, the 101.23kW system will provide 140MWh of electricity yearly, the equivalent demand of 22 average Victorian homes, and offset around 160 tonnes of CO2 per annum.

According to Solar Choice, who brokered the project for the Zoo, the larger 55kW system will alone generate 6,500kWh of energy annually, meeting all of the daytime lighting needs of the corporate HQ, which has also managed to cut its electricity demand from 22,000kWh per year to 6,200kWh, through efficiency measures and retrofits.

Installation of the solar systems, along with energy efficiency upgrades and the purchase of carbon offsets, mean the Zoo can claim Carbon Neutral status through Low Carbon Australia under the Australian Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard.

“Zoos Victoria’s certification milestone is part of its commitment to inspire millions of visitors to live more sustainably and protect wildlife and the environment for future generations,” said Low Carbon Australia CEO Meg McDonald in a media release.

McDonald also noted that the Zoo’s sister complexes – Healesville Sanctuary and the Werribee Open Plains Zoo – had also received carbon neutral certification for similar efforts.