Art Gallery Electrical Upgrade

MEC NT delivered a comprehensive electrical and renewable energy upgrade for the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre (GYRACC) Art Gallery in Katherine, Northern Territory.

The project included the design and installation of a 77.2kW solar PV system, supporting the facility’s commitment to sustainability and reduced energy consumption. The scope also included power infrastructure upgrades, new LED lighting throughout the facility, and the implementation of smart lighting control systems to improve energy efficiency, operational flexibility, and monitoring capability.

Additional works involved electrical reticulation upgrades and integration of safety and monitoring systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation of the gallery’s electrical network while supporting the centre’s ongoing exhibitions, events, and cultural programs.

The project required the integration of a large-scale solar PV system and associated electrical infrastructure within an operational cultural facility, presenting several key challenges:

Ensuring minimal disruption to gallery operations during installation.

Designing a compliant access and safety system for rooftop works.

Coordinating with multiple stakeholders to meet both technical and cultural requirements.

Achieving high standards of safety, reliability, and compliance with NT regulations.

MEC NT provided a turnkey solar solution that addressed both technical and operational requirements:

Installed 198 Sumec Phono 390W solar panels (77.2kW total) on Clenergy racking, with a Goodwe 60kVA inverter and grid protection switchboard.

Designed and installed an Australian standard-compliant walkway and guardrail system for safe roof access, utilising existing ladders.

Connected the inverter to the fire alarm system for automatic shutdown in emergencies.

Supplied full compliance documentation and as-constructed drawings for record-keeping and regulatory compliance.

The gallery now benefits from significant reductions in grid electricity usage and operational costs, driven by the integration of the new solar PV system, LED lighting upgrades, and smart energy controls.