Capestone Village

Picture this: it's a blistering summer day in Brisbane, and you've just finished shopping. The sun is relentless, and you dread returning to your car, knowing it will feel like an oven. Now imagine a shopping centre where your car is protected from the scorching heat under sleek, modern solar car shades. Not only is your car cool, but you can also charge your electric vehicle while you enjoy a coffee. This is the vision Vecchio Property Group had for Capestone Village, a vision that has come to life through a partnership with Smart Commercial Solar.

Vecchio Property Group, a family business with interests in property development, shopping centres, and hotels, embarked on a significant sustainability initiative at Capestone Village. By adding a 220-kilowatt solar car shade system to their existing 300-kilowatt rooftop solar array, the business aimed to enhance customer convenience and demonstrate environmental stewardship.

Key Project Stats

1.1MWh in daily generation

90% self-sufficiency overall

Enhanced customer comfort

Future-proofing the business

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the project was to create a competitive edge for Capestone Village by offering enhanced customer convenience and showcasing a commitment to green energy. With increasing competition from nearby shopping centres, Vecchio Property Group sought to:

Improve Energy Efficiency. Expanding the existing solar capacity to reduce energy costs and increase the centre’s reliance on renewable energy.

Enhance Customer Comfort. Providing shaded parking to attract more visitors, particularly during Brisbane's hot summer months.

Prepare for the Future. Equipping the centre with infrastructure for future technological advancements, such as charging stations to cater to the growing number of EV users.

CHALLENGES

Solar car shades projects are typically more complex than rooftop solar installations, and this one was no different. The project faced some delays due to approval processes, sourcing materials, and the need to minimise disruptions during the holiday season.

One of the most significant operational challenges was maintaining the functionality of the shopping centre during construction. The solution was to divide the car park into four sections, closing one section at a time and relocating facilities as needed. This approach allowed the centre to retain enough parking spaces for customers, minimising inconvenience and ensuring the centre remained operational.

THE RESULTS

The solar car shade project yielded impressive outcomes, reinforcing the decision to invest in sustainable infrastructure. The new 220-kilowatt system is oriented north at an ideal 10-degree pitch, with the solar panels ventilated from below to create optimal conditions for high performance. This has resulted in the system reaching an impressive 1.1 MWh in daily generation, which is significantly greater than the 300-kW system on the roof.

During these days, the centre is self-sufficient for energy in the middle part of the day, achieving 90% self-sufficiency overall.

WhatsApp Image 2024-04-15 at 08.34.08_f026ebbb-3

THE FUTURE

Sam Vecchio is particularly pleased with the strategic foresight of the project, stating, "By integrating solar car shades and EV charging stations, we are not only meeting the needs of today but also preparing for the future. Our commitment to sustainability sets us apart and ensures we continue to attract and retain customers."

The project also highlighted the importance of future-proofing infrastructure. During the initial construction of the centre, conduits were installed in the car park, anticipating future expansions. This foresight significantly benefited the current project, demonstrating the value of planning for long-term growth and technological advancements.

Anastasi from Smart commented, "Sam is always thinking into the future. It’s likely in the next few years the Village may install more solar, and possibly battery storage too. Smart will be there to work on these solutions with Capestone, and that highlights the breadth of our ability to serve as a partner beyond solar, or solar car shades.”

Case Study