Manufacturer BP Solar
Array Rating 4.95kW
PV Technology poly-Si
Array Structure Fixed: Ground Mount
Installed 2008

View on Map    Graphs    Download Data

Current Output

BP Solar polycrystalline silicon array, roof mount.

This roof-mounted solar arrays take advantage of otherwise unused roof space, and can save the cost of self-supporting array frames. A roof-mount array is generally the most practical solution for a domestic or commercial urban installation.

This BP Solar roof-mounted polycrystalline array has the same configuration as the BP Solar ground-mounted polycrystalline array installed at the Solar Centre. Comparing the outputs of these two arrays will determine the impact of mounting an array on the roof. These may arise from factors such as array-heating caused by decreased air circulation on a roof-mount array.

An array of this size will generate an equivalent amount of energy in a year as the total annual electricity consumption of an average Australian household.

BP Solar is a global business that designs, manufactures and markets solar electricity systems.

Array Rating 4.95kW
Panel Rating 165W
Number Of Panels 30
Panel Type BP 3165
Array Area 37.75 m²
Type Of Tracker N/A
Inverter Size / Type 6 kW, SMA SMC 6000A
Installation Completed Tue, 11 Nov 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



>  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!

Q: How can you tell the difference between a solar hot water system and a solar PV system?

A: On a household roof, a solar PV (photovoltaic) system for generating electricity will comprise a number of flat solar modules – typically up to 20 – while a solar hot water (SHW) system generally has just a couple of flat modules plus a distinctive cylindrical hot water storage unit. Solar hot water systems are very different to solar PV systems. Solar PV systems generate electricity whereas solar hot water systems do not, as the latter is designed to collect the thermal energy provided by the sun, transfer this heat to water and store it for use by the household.