Manufacturer Kyocera
Array Rating 5.4kW
PV Technology poly-Si
Array Structure Fixed: Ground Mount
Installed 2008

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Current Output

Polycrystalline silicon array, fixed pole-mountThese fixed arrays have the same configuration as the single axis and dual axis pole mounted tracking arrays included in the Kyocera “Solar Forest” at the Solar Centre.

They are installed at the optimal orientation for a fixed array: due north and at a tilt close to Alice Spring’s angle of latitude. The output from these fixed arrays can be directly compared to the outputs from the single and dual axis tracking systems.

Array Rating 5.4kW
Panel Rating 135W
Number Of Panels 5 x 8
Panel Type Kyocera KD135GX-LP
Array Area 5 x 8.02 m²
Type Of Tracker N/A
Inverter Size / Type 5 kW, SMA SMC 5000A
Installation Completed Tue, 30 Sep 2008
Array Tilt/Azimuth Tilt = 20, Azi = 0 (Solar North)

Notes on the Data

  1. System Disconnection for Cabling Works

    All arrays at the Solar Centre were disconnected from approximately 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Monday, 9 July 2018 in preparation for the cable between the main switchboard and distribution board being upgraded. Array sites #23-38 remained disconnected while the main feeder cable to these sites was replaced in subsequent days, but all systems were re-connected by early afternoon on Thursday, 12 July 2018.


    Mon, 9 Jul 2018

  2. Monitoring Interruption for UPS Battery Replacement

    The disconnection and re-connection of the solar arrays and weather station equipment while a new site connection was being established prompted the already flattening UPS batteries which power the site’s energy meters to fail and require immediate replacement. Data recording was affected from approximately 2.30pm ACST, Monday 10 July to 4.00pm, Wednesday 12 July.

    Affects weather data for DKASC, Alice Springs


    Wed, 12 Jul 2017

  3. Site 14: Extended Disconnection - Cleaning

    The array was cleaned along with all other arrays around the 4th to 6th December 2013. Each array was isolated during cleaning and turned back on afterwards. Unfortunately, the Site 14 (Polycrystalline Silicon, Kyocera) array was left off by the cleaning contractor and has been offline since 17:10 04/12/2013 until 16:40 13/12/2013.


    Fri, 13 Dec 2013



>  Answer to Spotlight Question

Onsite at the DKA Solar Centre in Alice Springs are a series of quiz-like Spotlight Questions at each array. Visit the centre and scan the QR code at each sign to test your knowledge – and check your answer here!

Why can you see a mosaic-like pattern on each cell of a polycrystalline module?

A: Polycrystalline modules consist of cells that each contain multiple crystals of silicon. During the manufacturing process, the crystals grow right beside each other and the whole piece of silicon is sliced thinly when producing a photovoltaic cell, resulting in the cell having a mosaic-like cross section.