Stockland Merrylands goes green with new rooftop solar system
Stockland Merrylands has commenced installation of a $2.2 million rooftop solar project to provide clean, green, renewable energy to the centre and its retailers.
The highly anticipated project will see Stockland work with Verdia to install a 1,128 kW system comprised of 2,930 solar panels that will cover a roof area of approximately 5,800 square metres.
The system is expected to generate approximately 1,574,589 kWh of renewable energy per year, enough to power 278 homes1 and is expected to be switched on in August this year.
Michelle Thomas, Stockland Merrylands Centre Manager, said: “We’re extremely proud to be installing this solar project at Stockland Merrylands which will help create clean, green energy for our retailers, our customers and the community.
“We are committed to offering customers a more sustainable shopping experience and this solar project is an important step towards creating a greener future for the local community.”
The Merrylands installation forms part of Stockland’s national retail solar rollout, Australia’s largest ever retail property solar program. Stockland has committed to a $23.5 million national investment in solar, and is currently installing more than 9 rugby fields, across ten retail centres around the country. Combined, the project is expected to produce 17.2 GWh of energy every year, the equivalent to driving an electric car around the world 2,381 times. The rollout will add to Stockland’s existing solar capacity to deliver a total of 14.56MW by 2020.
General Manager, Retail Asset Management and Operations at Stockland, Amanda Hayes said: “We are thrilled to have commenced our installation of a $2.5 million rooftop solar project at Stockland Merrylands. Stockland is committed to investing in sustainable energy and is working towards setting a new standard in solar for the Australian property industry.
“We’ve already invested more than $4.5 million in successful solar projects at four of our shopping centres in NSW and are currently in the process of rolling out solar systems at another 10 centres.”
Stockland owns and manages the most Green Star rated Shopping centres in Australia (Design & As Built) and has Australia’s first retail portfolio with a Green Star Performance rating.
Located 25 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD, Stockland Merrylands is a regional shopping centre which has serviced the local community since 1972. The centre features six major retailers including ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, Big W, Kmart and Target as well as over 200 specialty stores.
1 Based on 3 occupants per household, www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/benchmark
