Operating since 2008, the Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre (DKASC) is a real life demonstration of solar technologies spanning many types, ages, makes, models and configurations.
The DKASC is located at the Desert Knowledge Precinct in Alice Springs, a town in the Northern Territory that enjoys one of the country’s highest solar resources in an arid desert environment.
This unique initiative has grown from its roots as a Commonwealth-funded project to the commercially self-sustaining establishment it is today, accessed by a range of users around the world. Still growing, it is believed to be the largest multi-technology solar demonstration facility in the southern hemisphere, uniquely set among the natural environment. The DKASC combines:
- Research: The data collected by the diverse arrays at the DKASC is used by researchers in Australia and around the world. Downloading our open-access, free data allows them to study different solar technologies performing in a real-life setting. Some private research laboratories have their own setups onsite.
- Investment: Our bankable datasets provide long-term, high quality data about the performance of commercial photovoltaics that supports the commercial and technical development of the sector in Australia and internationally.
- Development: Companies that manufacture solar modules are interested in the DKASC data as it allows them to test, benchmark and improve their products for further development.
- Education: Visitors locally, nationally and from around the globe enjoy taking a walk through the DKASC as it sheds light on the fascinating world of solar.
- Empowerment: The DKASC supports local business in the remote region of Alice Springs by engaging them to set up and maintain the site, helping to build knowledge, capacity and skills related to solar technologies and construction.
- Energy supply: Electricity from the DKASC is supplied to users at the Desert Knowledge Precinct, providing clean energy every day to the organisations onsite and reducing the amount of electricity drawn from the grid.