Shaun Fassio has a large area under cane serviced by several pumps and pivots. With irrigation tariffs due to expire in 2020, Shaun invested in solar to future proof against rising costs. He saved just under $57,500 in the first year.
Project Specifications
Client: Fassio Farming
Location: Paddys Green, QLD 4880 (Tablelands)
Type: Sugar Cane Farm Solar System
Project Overview
Shaun Fassio has a large area under cane serviced by several pumps and pivots. Aware that the irrigation tariffs are due to expire in 2020, Shaun was keen to reduce his electricity usage and future proof his electricity bill, so that he does not move to a demand-based tariff. Shaun contacted Replenishable Energy and after a site visit, we designed, developed and installed two systems each with 2 SMA 15kW inverters and 120 LG Neon2 330W panels.
These two 40kW solar ground mount systems saved him just under $57,500 in the first year.
Shaun has now been re-classified as a “Small” Ergon customer, which means he will not have to move to a demand-based tariff, when the irrigation tariffs are no longer available in 2020. A move which would have increased his electricity costs by 100%.
In addition, both of his solar systems qualify for the new Regional solar feed in tariff. Which means when he is not irrigating, he has the luxury of receiving the feed in tariff and getting paid for his electricity generation.
As well as future proofing against the transition to demand-based tariffs in 2020 and associated rising electricity costs, Shaun is saving money right now.
That’s sustainable energy production, benefitting the farm, farmer, environment and the bank account.
The solar system designed and installed at this Tablelands sugar cane farm was customised to suit his requirements and property. It is a ground mounted system, consisting of the following:
- 79.20kW Ground mounted system
- 240 x 330W LG Neon2 Solar ( Tier 1) Panels model: LG330N1C-G4 Monocrystalline
- 4 x SMA STP15000TL-30
- Racking and Mounting
- Installation
With the solar monitoring available from SMA, Shaun is optimising the usage of solar electricity for irrigating to maximise his savings. Pumping while the sun is shining. There is additional saving of 60%, in changing from a demand-based tariff with no solar, to a general business tariff with solar.
