Solar Trees at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Zoos Victoria had very specific objectives for a solar project at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The client wanted visitors on the walkway leading to the zoo's entry to see a forest of solar trees, providing a shaded canopy on peak visitation days and an opportunity to see a new age in solar panel technology, installation, and design. The zoo already had 300 kW of solar on site, but this was not visible to the public, so they wanted an aesthetic display in line with their African Safari theme that demonstrated to the public their commitment to solar and sustainable initiatives.

Iberdrola Australia developed a truly innovative, unique design specifically to meet the design brief of the client. We designed a structure inspired by the African Thorn Tree, paying careful consideration to the materials we sourced for construction.

Iberdrola Australia Solution

• The design incorporated 100% recycled timber (ironbark) which met the environmental requirements of the client, as well as providing a rustic aesthetic that matched surroundings.
• Bifacial panels spread in a wide canopy allows light to filter through as it would through a real tree, with the framing of the panels designed to remove any obstructions from behind the cells. 
• While the tree structure is supported by a steel core for strength, we designed this to be wrapped in the same recycled timber as the 'branches'.
• Numerous details were considered to ensure the necessary strength was achieved whilst maintaining the aesthetics.
• The whole structure was assessed and certified by a third-party structural engineer. 
• The system also provides lighting through an efficient LED floodlight located at the top of each trunk. The light shines up to a custom-made reflective dome that splashes light back down to the ground around the trees. We carried out lighting design modelling to verify the lighting outcome prior to final design confirmation.
• Upon request of Werribee Open Range Zoo, stars were cut into each dome in unique patterns so during the day, when the sun shines through the domes, the shadows on the footpath show a different star constellation for each tree.
• The design of the framing allows for the electrical cabling to be concealed. Inverters, batteries and other electrical equipment were located in a custom-built shed that was designed to blend into the background landscaping. 

"I cannot begin to tell you how over the moon we are with the look of the Solar Trees. You absolutely nailed it! The look is even better than I imagined - so well done to you and thank you."

Nola Hudson (Project Manager Operations), Zoos Victoria