Low Island Solar System
Low Island is an iconic dive and snorkel site located off the coast of Port Douglas. The island is located in a Marine National Park Zone and is home to a selection of rare bird and plant species as well as a research station, weather station and a lighthouse.
Tropical Energy Solutions were commissioned to implement a series of modular improvements to restore and extend the island’s existing, but severely damaged, photovoltaic and generator power system. Project modules involved:
- Energy Auditing – to identify current and future electricity needs and energy saving opportunities.
- Generator Modification – switching the existing generator from diesel fuel to locally sourced sugarcane bio-fuel.
- Solar Power Reactivation – assessment and repair the existing 4kWp photovoltaic power system.
- Solar Power Extension – design and installation of a 5kWp extension to the existing photovoltaic power system.
The project’s aim was to reduce reliance on diesel generated power. Following the refurbishment, diesel fuel consumption was reduced by over 80%. The island is now completely powered by solar power, with redundancy back-up generation provided by a bio-diesel genset.