Melbourne property developer, Beulah, has announced its mixed-use, 48 storey tower, Paragon, will be home to Australia’s largest, most efficient vertical solar panel system.

Boasting 128 panels spanning an impressive 158 square metres, the 42kW system is installed on the core walls of the tower and outperforms similar developments in terms of emission reduction, cost reduction and green energy sustainability.

Beulah appointed b.energy to be responsible for the design construction, operations and maintenance from its invested capital to integrate renewables into the building aesthetics, to maximise renewable electricity production, to abate carbon emissions, to reduce common property costs and to indirectly reduce owners’ corporation fees levied to residents.

The vertical installation and operation of the system comprises 128 Trina Solar HoneyBlack 325W monocrystalline module to generate c30MWh and make efficient use of the latent building lift core and fluid dampening tanks options amidst constrained rooftop building services space. The system is unique to high rise buildings and recognised as the largest implementation of its kind in Melbourne.

Beulah Executive Director, Adelene Teh, said the system is important in ensuring the company continues its journey towards sustainable developments with reduced carbon footprints.

Paragon. Image courtesy of Beulah.

“We are so proud to offer Melburnians a remarkable new tower with a landscape of social spaces that introduce sophisticated design to Melbourne living and entertainment,” said Adelene.

“Paragon offers sophisticated living that residents can feel good about, with the implementation of a stellar solar system that means their lifestyle will have a low impact on the environment.”

The utilisation of the tower’s vacant space is not only innovative but is also an attractive value-add that differentiates the towers embedded renewables offering which, in turn, is an enticing cost-saving to prospective residents, the OC and the developer.

b.energy Chairman, James Dunstan, said the combination of a painted lift core and stylish HoneyBlack modules have not only markedly complemented the building design aesthetics, but will assist in reducing common property electricity costs.

“Whilst electricity production would generally be closer to c56MWh for flat or degree mounted systems, generating c30MWh far exceeds the renewables that could otherwise be achieved on the constrained rooftop,” he said.

Due to be home to 227 residences, Paragon is set to transform Melbourne’s skyline with its striking exterior the result of a dynamic collaboration with Fender Katsalidis.

Bound by an elegant pattern on its distinct blue and gold glass façade, the base of the tower also provides instant intrigue at street level, with the heritage exterior of the previous building meticulously restored to its former glory.

Paragon, located at 318 Queen Street, is due for completion within the next month.