A heritage-listed Lobethal building has become home to Adelaide Hills Council’s second-largest solar installation.
A 53.2kW solar system has been installed atop the FABRIK Blanket Building’s iconic sawtooth roof, blending modern renewable energy technology with the preservation of a historic landmark.
Delivered as a Council-managed project, the installation was completed in partnership with local Adelaide Hills supplier Solar Wholesalers.
The project also included the installation of a new roof-height safety walkway and platform ladder system. These upgrades improve on-site safety, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and remove the need for scissor or boom lifts when accessing the roof.
By combining high-performance solar technology with safer, more efficient roof access, the Blanket Building demonstrates how thoughtful upgrades can deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes while maintaining the integrity of this much-loved historic site, the Council said in a statement.
System highlights include:
- 112 Jinko Solar Tiger panels (475W each), measuring 1.76m x 1.13m and weighing approximately 25kg per panel;
- 2 Fronius Verto inverters, each with a 25kW capacity;
- Expected annual generation of 77,534 kWh;
- Estimated payback period of just 2.7 years.
The installation is the 10th Council site to go solar. Other locations include Stirling Library (the Council’s largest solar system), Heathfield Depot, Gumeracha Depot, Woodside Offices, Woodside Library, Woodside–Nairne Road Offices, Birdwood CWMS, Torrens Valley Community Centre, and Norton Summit Community Centre.
“A successful sustainability project on a heritage-listed project is such a great example to the community of what is possible. I’m so glad it could happen at FABRIK!” said Director of Fabrik Arts & Heritage, Melinda Rankin.
