Perth Markets Group Limited’s (PMGL) 51ha Canning Vale site is soon to be home to what is being claimed as Western Australia’s largest rooftop solar system.
This $10 million project is expected to reduce the site’s carbon footprint by 3910 tonnes annually.
Phase one of the installation of PMGL’s solar renewable energy integration plan commenced in early October and will span over 12 months. Once complete, the rooftop solar system will be the largest in the state, taking up 25,000sqm of rooftop, with an output capacity of five-megawatts.
The installation of approximately 10,000 photovoltaic modules is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025 and will supply one third of the Perth Markets site’s electricity consumption.
“This is a huge investment for us and one that has required considerable planning,” says PMGL CEO Scott Gibson.
“Perth Markets and its 120 tenants consume an enormous amount of electricity, primarily through powering the cold chain infrastructure needed to deliver fresh produce to Western Australians.
“With its integrated battery system, we are also projected to reduce site grid load by up to two hours during peak demand, easing pressure on the electricity network, particularly during the hottest days.”
PMGL is a horticultural industry-based facility owner, manager and developer. The purpose-built 51ha site is home to WA’s only wholesale fresh food central trading market, as well as the retail and commercial precinct, Market City, and the Canning Vale Weekend Community Markets.
Perth Markets is promoted as providing the critical link between growers, wholesalers, retailers and the fresh food supply chain. With more than 250,000 tonnes of produce traded through the market in the 2024 financial year, the site contributes significantly to the horticultural industry and WA’s economy.