WYONG (July 9, 2019) — Donaldson Australasia’s distribution and manufacturing center in Wyong is switching on its rooftop solar project later this month. The project follows the recent installation of a smart, energy saving LED lighting system—and is another step toward improving Donaldson’s environmental footprint.
"The solar panel layout considered the light entering the facility through skylights to avoid blocking any light coming through the roof and into the building," said Cameron Norgrove, Engineering Manager. "During daylight hours, the smart LED lighting system automatically switches the lights off, allowing the Donaldson plant to utilize the natural light coming into the building from the skylights.."
The rooftop solar panelling took approximately 10 weeks to install and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 450 tonnes / 500 tons each year. The 920 panel installation will also put an estimated 411,000kWh of green electricity back into the grid annually while providing an estimated 17% of Donaldson Australia’s energy needs for constructing, packing and shipping filters and parts.
"Donaldson was fortunate to have enough north facing roof area to install a large 300kW system," Cameron said. "A 300kW system is the maximum size solar system that can be installed in the Wyong area."
- Cameron Norgrove, Engineering Manager
Donaldson is committed to supporting the local community, environmental stewardship and sustainable operations. The 14,700 square meter / 158,200 square foot facility employs over 200 production, warehouse, operations and office staff from the local area.
The rooftop solar installation has been complete and producing renewable electricity since June 2019.
