Clyde Campbell Solar Carpark

Lismore City Council recently accepted a tender for the design and construction of a $650,000 ‘Solar Carpark’ in the Council-owned Clyde Campbell carpark. The infrastructure includes the installation an architectural ‘butterfly-shaped’ awning, clad with photo-voltaic solar panels and covering 40 carparks. It also includes the installation of two Electric Vehicle (EV) fast chargers, with the potential for additional EV chargers to be installed in the future.

The sustainable design and shape of the roof is inspired by the native Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. The Birdwing Butterfly vine – the butterfly’s food source – will grow on the shade structure from hanging planter boxes.

How is this project being funded?

The Solar Carpark is 100% funded by a Federal Government Grant. Council received $1 million under the ‘Drought Communities Program’ in 2021 and has dedicated $650,000 of that funding to this Project. The program has supported 52 NSW councils to complete infrastructure and other drought-relief projects.

What will the benefit be?

The key purpose of this infrastructure, and the alignment with the ‘Drought Communities’ grant, is to demonstrate leadership in addressing the climate related causes of drought and other natural disasters through sustainable technologies. The solar carpark will harness renewable energy to provide charging stations for EV users and much needed shade for CBD users and their vehicles. Excess solar energy will be fed back into the electricity grid.

What about future flooding events?

The potential for flooding at the site was a major consideration of the design. All electronic/electrical components are positioned above the 1% AEP flood level of 12.45 AHD (the level specific to this location) or are removable (the EV charger). The solar roof of the structure includes an extra 500mm of ‘freeboard’ so the lowest solar panels sit at approx. 12.95 AHD. Furthermore, the structure itself has been engineered to withstand these flood depths and velocities, including an allowance for debris build up.

How will parking be affected?

Carparking will be maintained, with the structure installed over the existing configuration. Two of the 40 car parking spaces will be reserved for electric vehicles only.

To ensure safety and efficiency during construction, parking in the area shown in the attached map will be temporarily disrupted (fenced off). The project team will work in with local business as best as possible to ensure deliveries, bin pick ups etc. can continue whilst the temporary changes are in place.