Mickleham Solar Car Park
Large-Scale Modular Solar Canopy for Government Infrastructure.
Location: Mickleham, Victoria
Client: RACV
End Client: Australian Government
Project Type: Solar Car Park / Modular Solar Canopy
Status: Completed
48
Pods82
Car Spaces291 kWp
SolarProject Overview
The Mickleham Solar Car Park is a landmark example of large-scale modular solar canopy infrastructure delivered for a government-linked site in Victoria.
Developed for RACV on behalf of the Australian Government, the project demonstrates how prefabricated solar car parks can meet strict public-sector requirements while achieving rapid installation, high safety standards, and long-term energy performance.
Using Canyon Solar’s factory-first construction methodology, the project transformed a large, exposed car park into a high-performing renewable energy asset in 6 weeks. The completed solar car park now provides shaded parking for 82 vehicles while generating clean electricity to support onsite operations, reduce reliance on grid power, and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
With complex foundation works due to challenging soil conditions, this project also marked a major milestone for our prefabricated system, with our longest pod to date installed via crane lift (spanning over 14m) spanning four car spaces for the first time, the improved pod design significantly reduces the amount of columns and civil works.
Project Background
The Mickleham site services a critical government facility, requiring infrastructure that is durable, safe, and operationally reliable.
Prior to the solar car park installation, the area consisted of open asphalt with no weather protection and no productive use beyond vehicle storage during operations.
Key objectives for the project included:
Generating renewable energy onsite
Improving user comfort through shaded, all-weather parking
Meeting stringent government safety and compliance standards
Minimising disruption to ongoing site operations
Demonstrating the capability of large-span modular solar canopies
Traditional onsite construction methods were considered unsuitable due to long build times, increased safety exposure, and higher risk of operational disruption. Canyon Solar’s prefabricated modular approach was selected as the most efficient and lowest-risk delivery method.
Scope of Work
The Stage 2 expansion involved the design, manufacture, delivery, and installation of an additional modular solar canopy bay, extending the existing solar car park infrastructure at the club.
Scope elements included:
Engineering and design of additional modular solar canopy structures
Offsite prefabrication of 30 canopy pods
Crane-assisted installation of prefabricated pods
Integration of Canadian Solar PV modules
Electrical reticulation and system commissioning
Waterproof central walkway integration
Project Scope
FORWARD-PLANNED FOUNDATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
A defining feature of the Stage 2 project was the elimination of civil works entirely. During Stage 1, Canyon Solar worked with the client to integrate foundations and underground conduit for the future expansion bay into the original base-build. This pre-planning delivered major advantages for Stage 2:
Zero excavation or civil works required
No disruption to the existing car park surface
Dramatically reduced onsite programme duration
Lower overall project cost for the expansion
Immediate readiness for pod installation upon site mobilisation
This approach showcases the benefit of staging solar car park projects. By planning ahead during initial construction, future expansions become faster, cheaper, and less disruptive.
MODULAR DESIGN AND PREFABRICATION
Consistent with all Canyon Solar installations, approximately 80% of the construction work for Stage 2 was completed offsite in a controlled factory environment. Each solar pod was pre-assembled to include structural steel components, solar module mounting systems, and preliminary electrical integration.
The pods were delivered to site fully loaded with solar panels and installed via crane lift, allowing the entire bay to take shape in a matter of days rather than weeks.
RECORD-SPEED INSTALLATION
The Stage 2 installation set a new benchmark for Canyon Solar project delivery. From site mobilisation to handover, the entire project was completed in just 7 days, a record for installation speed.
This was achieved through a combination of:
Pre-installed foundations and conduit from Stage 1
Factory-first pod prefabrication with panels pre-loaded
Efficient crane logistics and installation sequencing
Strong coordination between Canyon Solar and Smart Commercial Energy
The installation took place during a period of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 36°C on crane day, a testament to the planning, preparation, and professionalism of all teams involved.
Project Outcomes
PREMIUM MEMBER AMENITY
The completed Stage 2 bay features 32 additional undercover parking spaces with a fully waterproof central walkway, creating a premium parking experience for club members. The covered area has quickly become the most popular parking location at the club, offering genuine all-weather protection from sun, rain, and extreme heat.
Combined with the Stage 1 installation, Wests Illawarra now offers 152 shaded parking spaces, a significant enhancement to the overall member experience and a visible demonstration of the club’s investment in modern, sustainable facilities.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY OUTCOMES
With 124 kWp of additional solar capacity, the club’s total installed system now stands at 488.4 kWp across all four canopy bays. This represents one of the largest solar car park installations at a community club in Australia.
Key sustainability outcomes include:
Significant reduction in grid electricity consumption
Lower long-term energy costs for the club
Meaningful reduction in the club’s carbon footprint
Alignment with broader community expectations around environmental responsibility
By generating clean energy from existing car park space, the club avoids the need for additional land use while maximising the value of its built infrastructure.
DEMONSTRATING SCALABILITY
The Wests Illawarra project, across both stages, is a powerful example of how solar car parks can be delivered in phases to match an organisation’s budget, operational needs, and growth plans. The forward-planning of foundations during Stage 1 made Stage 2 faster, cheaper, and virtually disruption-free.
For clubs, venues, and commercial operators considering solar car parks, the Wests model demonstrates that a staged approach can deliver:
Lower upfront capital expenditure per stage
Faster installation timelines for subsequent stages
Minimal operational disruption during expansion
Increasing returns as system capacity grows
Project Significance
The Wests Illawarra Leagues Club Stage 2 project represents a milestone for both the club and Canyon Solar. With a total system now exceeding 484 kWp across four canopy bays and 152 shaded parking spaces, the club has transformed its car park into one of the most impressive solar canopy installations in the community and sporting club sector.
The 7-day installation record underscores the efficiency and maturity of Canyon Solar’s prefabricated delivery model, particularly when combined with forward-planned infrastructure. For clubs and venues across Australia looking to reduce energy costs, improve member amenities, and take meaningful action on sustainability, the Wests Illawarra project provides a clear, proven roadmap.
Is your facility ready for infrastructure that works around you?
Contact the Canyon Solar team today to discuss a feasibility assessment for your site.