CHALLENGES

Delivering a large-scale solar installation within a heritage campus environment required careful planning, engineering precision, and thoughtful coordination.

Key challenges included:

1. Installation Timing Within an Active Campus: Delivered over summer recess, the project was carefully staged to ensure the campus remained safe, accessible, and ready for returning residents.

2. Heritage Roof Structures: Many of the quad’s roof structures are over 70 years old and feature terracotta tiled roofing and solid brick construction, requiring careful engineering and specialised installation method. Structural assessments were completed to confirm the suitability of racking solution and verify compliance, allowing architectural aesthetics to be preserved.

3. Aged Roofing Materials: As anticipated with heritage terracotta tiles, some cracking occurred during installation. To maintain visual consistency, matching tiles were sourced locally and replaced to preserve the College’s established aesthetic.

4. Electrical Infrastructure Upgrades: The existing electrical distribution network feeding the individual wings required upgrading to safely integrate the new solar system and ensure efficient long-term performance.

 

SOLUTION

Following a comprehensive tender process, Emmanuel College chose to partner with DS Energy to design and deliver a tailored rooftop solar system that maximised available roof space while respecting the campus’s heritage character.

System components included:

– 275.52 kW rooftop solar installation
– 574 ASTRONERGY CHSM60N(DG)/F-HC 480W modules
– Structural mounting solutions engineered for heritage terracotta roofing
– Electrical infrastructure upgrades to support efficient energy distribution

Innovative engineering allowed the system to be installed without compromising safety, structural integrity, or architectural design.

Installation commenced in December 2024, with the system officially activated on 22 August 2025 following Energex approval and successful commissioning.

 

RESULT

The system is projected to generate approximately 387.7 MWh of clean energy annually, significantly reducing the College’s reliance on grid electricity during peak daytime hours.

Since commissioning, the College has achieved:

– 262.96 tonnes of CO₂ avoided
– Average daily yields of 1,200–1,400 kWh on sunny days
– Reduced operational energy costs
– Greater long-term energy resilience

Emmanuel College Principal Stephen Peake commented:

“This initiative not only aligns with our environmental values but also delivers measurable financial benefits. The long-term cost savings generated by the solar system enhance our capacity to invest in areas of our operations which will enhance our residents’ experience and the College’s longer-term infrastructure.”

Looking ahead, Emmanuel College is now exploring on-site battery storage to further strengthen energy self-sufficiency and sustainability outcomes.

This project demonstrates DS Energy’s ability to deliver technically complex solar installations within sensitive architectural environments, combining structural expertise, electrical upgrades, and live-site coordination to achieve long-term performance and sustainability.

 

Planning a solar project for a complex or heritage site?

Speak with DS Energy today to explore how we design and deliver tailored systems without compromising safety, aesthetics, or performance.