ASX-listed property group Stockland has selected Todae Solar and Canadian Solar to install Australia's single building rooftop solar system.
The 1.22MW rooftop solar system will be installed at the Shellharbour Shopping Centre in the Illawarra region of NSW and will be one of the top 10 largest systems across the country.
Stockland regional retail manager for NSW South, Daniel Buchanan, said the company has been considering large scale solar for the portfolio for some time.
"Since completing our $330 million redevelopment of Stockland Shellharbour in 2013 and receiving our 4 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, we have continued to add initiatives to benefit our customers, the community and the environment," he said.
“While we have installed a number of smaller solar PV systems, and learned from the experience, it is only now that the economics and time is right for us to set a renewable energy target and commit to a range of projects across our portfolio.”
The new solar power system which is currently under construction is expected to be fully operational by the end of May 2015.
The system comprises of 3991 photovoltaic (PV) panels and is expected to generate an average 4,789 kilowatt hours (kWh) per day, enough to power 280 homes.
Stockland expects the system to generate sufficient renewable energy to offset approximately 1,700 tonnes of CO2 annually, working towards the company target of 1.35MW of installed renewable energy capacity in the shopping centre portfolio by FY17.
Canadian Solar Australia country manager, Daniel Ruoss said the company has expertise with commercial rooftop installations in Australia.
"Our ability to provide the industry’s highest power outputs per panel, contributed to Stockland’s decision to select us as a supplier," he said.
"We are excited to deliver what will be an industry defining project for Stockland."
On being awarded the project, Todae Solar CEO, Danin Kahn said the project will showcase the company's experience and capability in delivering large scale projects of the highest quality.
"We truly believe in the ability for solar to change the energy landscape in Australia and this system is one of the first footsteps in that direction in the large commercial market," Kahn said.
"This project will hopefully make many other organisations out there sit up and take notice to start thinking about solar.”