Symmetry Solar, a New South Wales-based company known for its expertise in commercial renewable solutions, is embarking on a significant new venture: the development of a $12 million solar farm for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Set against the backdrop of the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HJOC) in Bungendore, NSW, about 290 kilometers south of Sydney, this project marks another milestone in Symmetry Solar’s journey. The company will take on the full scope of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for the solar farm, which is set to transform the energy landscape of this critical military site.

At the heart of the project is a 1.9 MW solar array carpark shade structure, to be constructed at the HJOC’s General John Baker Complex. This installation is designed to generate approximately 3,000 MWh of electricity each year, significantly offsetting the site’s energy consumption and contributing to its sustainability goals.

The project, first announced in 2020, has been progressing smoothly, according to Symmetry Solar’s Chief Technical Officer, Paul Harmsworth. His calm confidence is a testament to the company’s experience and the careful planning that has gone into every phase of the project.

Construction is slated to begin in November 2024, with the aim of not only enhancing the site's energy independence but also increasing its resilience—a critical factor for such a strategically important location.

Reflecting on the project, Harmsworth couldn’t help but express a sense of pride. Since 2008, Symmetry Solar has been a key player in Australia’s energy transition, witnessing firsthand the evolution of the industry.

“We’ve watched the industry develop residentially and we’ve been involved in the large-scale commercial and industrial space since its early inception. Now it's widely adopted, it’s the norm, and it’s integral to our energy transition. It hasn’t always been that way,” Harmsworth said, clearly recalling the early days of the industry.

He went on to highlight the broader significance of the project: “It’s also enlightening to see large organisations adopting solar at scale, not only for carbon offset but because it’s a fiscally sound model.”

“Not only are there environmental and carbon offset considerations, but from a levelized cost of electricity and energy generation perspective, it’s amongst the cheapest ways to generate energy, and it’s really great to watch that,” Harmsworth added.

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