Suntop solar farm, Wellington NSW
Kattsafe modular access - quick and easy install with pre-assembled systems
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The situation
The Suntop Solar Farm project, located near Wellington south of Dubbo, will generate approximately 396GW of energy throughout the year which is enough energy to meet the needs of over 65,000 homes.
Fitted with innovative single-axis tracking, the panels can follow the sun’s movement east to west each day. The solar farm will also provide a valuable boost to the local economy, as during peak activity up to 400 workers will be required to maintain its operation.
The raised delivery stations within the solar farm had no access or working platforms/surfaces to allow personnel to conduct maintenance operations. This was impairing the company’s ability to provide a safe and user-friendly working environment, a requirement of high importance to any employer.
The facility needed the provision of an access system that could be easily unloaded, ideally without the use of cranes or heavy lifting equipment, and one which enabled installation by hand. As with most remote locations, specialist trades, tools and equipment can often be difficult and expensive to bring to site.
Additionally, all systems had to be compliant and engineered to meet stringent Australian Standard criteria.
Bouygues Construction Australia
Solution
Bouygues Construction Australia had previously worked together with Kattsafe on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project so they were confident that we could offer a practical solution for their client, Suntop Solar Farm.
Conceptual platform designs were originally provided to Bouygues using our Builda configurator. This online program allows real time creation and produces drawings, parts lists, indicative pricing and 3D designs which let the client visualise the systems being installed.
As part of the Builda’s parameters, all designs that are created from the configurator are compliant to Australian and New Zealand Standards AS 1657 and AS/NZS 1170.
If further engineering is required to cater for requirements such as specific weight or wind loads, Kattsafe’s Engineering Team can assist with incorporating these custom specifications into the designs.
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Once feedback and comments were received, Kattsafe’s Design Team produced detailed design drawings which were signed off by Bouygues before commencement of manufacture.
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The platforms were pre-assembled by Kattsafe’s Production Team at our Boronia facility and then delivered to site in modules. This ensured a quicker and easier install for the project. However, the components can also be delivered as flat packs to reduce transportation costs or if the delivery location has constraints such as lift access only or limited available space.
As the installation was taking place in country NSW, consideration had to be made to enable minimal site preparation for the platforms.
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