Solar Metricon Stadium
Queensland's $144 million redeveloped Metricon Stadium at Carrara on the Gold Coast is the first in Australia to integrate solar power into its design, creating a solar stadium.
Installing solar power really pays off
The Queensland Government has done the bright thing, investing $4.4 million to build a solar edge on the new stadium roof.
The solar roof is one of the centrepieces of the development, with enough capacity to power around 20 per cent of the stadium's energy requirements over the course of a year.
The development was completed in May 2011, hosting its first game on 28 May 2011. The 25,000 seat capacity oval sports stadium is now home to the new Gold Coast Suns AFL club and will host other sporting and cultural events.
What is the solar roof?
The solar roof consists of 215 kilowatts of high-efficiency solar panels which are five metres deep and positioned on the inner edge of the stadium roof to capture energy from the sun.
Energy produced from the solar roof is now being fed back into the electricity grid and used to offset the power required for the stadium.
There are also plans for further solar installations at the stadium in the future.
Leading by example
The Queensland Government is leading by example with high profile, globally recognised solar power projects.
Projects such as Metricon Stadium offer more than carbon and electricity savings. The stadium demonstrates to industry the potential of incorporating solar into new building projects.
The initiative highlights the generation capabilities and importance of embracing renewable energy technologies at the design phase.
The stadium has also been designed with other energy efficiency and water saving measures including high efficiency air-conditioning and water chiller storage, energy efficient lighting and water harvesting.
Showcasing these green building techniques will help continue the shift towards sustainable building designs as a way to protect the environment and save money.
Helping build Queensland's virtual solar power station
Metricon Stadium's solar roof is helping Queensland build a virtual solar power station.
Town by town we've already doubled Queensland's use of solar energy in less than two years, more than three years ahead of schedule.
You can contribute to this virtual solar power station too by doing the bright thing and installing a solar hot water system or solar PV system on your home.
Find out more
Think the Metricon Stadium Solar Park is a really bright idea?
- Discover how you can install solar panels on your sports club
- Find out about the incentives available and the benefits of installing solar panels or solar hot water in your home
- Learn how solar technology works
- Download the printable version of this information
Last updated 4 August 2011
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