December 2014, Cootamundra, Australia:
The final installation and grid connection for one of Australia’s first solar carports took place this week in Cootamundra.  The solar carport will provide shade from the hot Australian sun for employee and visitors vehicles while generating clean energy for the factory.
The 100kw solar system is part of a new factory complex for Cootamundra Oilseeds, a producer of high quality oils made from grain and seeds.  The company has implemented a range of energy and environmental initiatives to make the site clean and sustainable.  The carport was chosen to provide a very visible demonstration of the technology and the company’s environmental commitment.
Director Gary Seaton said “Our vision for the site was to be completely self-sufficient for power and reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible”.  
While the 100kw system will not cover the total energy needs, plans are underway to install a larger solar array and in the future include battery storage technology to be able to run the plant 24 hours a day from the sun.
Gary Seaton also said “Cootamundra Oilseeds was established by farmers, for farmers, to make food and feed in a 100% pure, natural and more sustainable way. For more than 20 years, the business has grown to be the largest cold pressing oil plant in Australia, pressing strictly GMO free conventional and organic oilseeds.  Using a solar system is a natural extension of our personal and company principles.”
SSE is proud to support companies who value the environment and its community.