Kyocera Solar has announced that 100kW of Kyocera photovoltaic (PV) modules are now powering the Moorebank location of ABB Australia, a power and automation technologies provider that enables utility and industry companies to improve performance while lowering their environmental impact.

The custom rooftop PV system installation of 400 high-efficiency, high-reliability Kyocera solar modules was completed in November 2013. The solar array is now fully operational and will offset 6% of the daily energy needs at the Moorebank facility.

"ABB's goal is to engineer power and automation systems that enhance our customers' success while minimizing their impact on the environment," said Anthony Froelich, Sales Manager at ABB Australia.

"When we looked at our own business, we realized we could make a reduction in our own energy requirements by installing solar. After researching thoroughly we knew that only Kyocera solar modules would provide the quality and reliability we're looking for on a long-term basis."

Kyocera and Autonomous Energy, the system installer, met all of ABB's requirements for high-quality components and on-site health and safety during the installation period. The 100kW nominal flush-mounted system will yield an estimated 121,800 kWh of clean energy per year. Over 20 years, this PV system will produce enough renewable power from the energy of the sun to offset the equivalent of 2417 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

"It's encouraging to see ABB and many other commercial customers making the switch to solar not just for cost-reduction but also because it's the right thing to do for our planet," said George Phani, National Manager for Kyocera Solar Australia.

"Kyocera is delighted to offer full turnkey services that will serve these companies well for many years to come."

To maximize the amount of usable solar energy the solar installation produces, ABB installed its high-performance PVS800 100kW Central ABB Inverter to maximize conversion of the solar installation's direct current (DC) output into alternating current (AC) for use by the electrical grid. ABB central inverters, based on ABB's market-leading technology platform, are available from 100kW up to 1,000kW and are optimized for cost-efficient multi-megawatt power plants.

ABB central inverters are equipped with extensive electrical and mechanical protection, and engineered to provide a long and reliable service life of at least 20 years.

"Our priority was to use high-quality components that offer proven long operating life," said Froelich. "We chose every aspect of our solar installation - from component manufacturers to the installer, Autonomous Energy -- based on their credentials and reliability."