HomeBusiness & FinanceThis Company Can Build Solar Farms 10 Times Faster

This Company Can Build Solar Farms 10 Times Faster

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In the race to adopt renewable energy, speed is essential. 5B, an innovative solar array company, is revolutionizing solar farm installations by deploying systems up to 10 times faster than traditional methods. Their unique technology has made them a go-to partner for off-grid mining markets, including companies like Liontown Resources. This article explores how 5B is accelerating solar deployment, the benefits of their Maverick solar arrays, and their impact on the renewable energy transition.

5B’s Technology: Speeding Up Solar Installation

This Company Can Build Solar Farms 10 Times Faster
5B’s chief executive David Griffin. The company has a string of investors and is growing fast. 

5B’s technology simplifies the solar installation process through a prefabricated and modular design known as the Maverick system. The company manufactures large solar arrays at its plant in Adelaide and transports them to remote locations, where they are unfolded on-site like an accordion. This process significantly reduces setup time and labor requirements, allowing for quick deployment in challenging environments.

David Griffin, the CEO of 5B, emphasizes the importance of speed in renewable energy projects, stating, “Depending on the job, it’s probably closer to 10 times faster.” This ability to rapidly install solar arrays makes 5B an attractive partner for industries such as mining, which require reliable energy sources in remote locations.

Expanding Customer Base: Focus on Mining and Remote Projects

Around 30% of 5B’s projects are in the off-grid mining sector. Mining companies are particularly interested in 5B’s fast deployment capabilities, as these sites often lack reliable energy infrastructure. One notable client is Liontown Resources, which has incorporated 5B’s Maverick arrays at its Kathleen Valley lithium mine in Western Australia. The project includes 342 solar arrays, covering an area equivalent to 17 rugby league fields.

The Kathleen Valley site generates enough renewable energy to power about 4,000 homes, serving as a key component of a hybrid energy system that also features wind power, battery storage, and LNG generation. This integrated system not only supports the mine’s operations but also aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

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The Maverick System: Prefabrication for Efficiency

The 5B Maverick solar array is engineered for speed and durability. Each unit measures approximately 40 meters long and 6 meters wide, arriving pre-wired and ready for installation. The accordion-like structure allows for a seamless unfolding process, requiring minimal labor. This design reduces on-site work by about 70%, making it ideal for remote and hard-to-access locations.

The rapid installation of the Maverick system is especially beneficial in regions where weather conditions can delay construction. For instance, the Maverick arrays are designed to withstand harsh climates, including tropical storms and strong winds of up to 260 km/h. This makes them suitable for projects like the 1.2 MW solar installation in the Tiwi Islands, which faced extreme weather conditions.

Transforming Renewable Energy Adoption

This Company Can Build Solar Farms 10 Times Faster

The ability to deploy solar farms quickly is critical to meeting global emissions targets. Renewable energy projects have often been hampered by lengthy construction times, leading to delays in transitioning from fossil fuels. 5B addresses this bottleneck by offering a solution that accelerates deployment, helping to close the gap between demand and supply of clean energy.

The company’s approach is gaining traction, with installations across nine countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Notable projects include the Cambridge solar-to-hydrogen demonstration site, where the Maverick system was deployed in October. As the demand for clean energy grows, the need for rapid and efficient installation methods like 5B’s is becoming more apparent.

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Strategic Partnerships and Investment

5B has attracted significant investment to support its growth. AES Corporation, a major player in clean energy, holds a 32% stake in the company, while BP and venture capital firm Artesian have also invested. This influx of private capital has enabled 5B to expand its manufacturing capacity and explore opportunities for a public listing in the future.

CEO David Griffin notes that while the company currently relies on private investment, a public listing could provide the financial flexibility needed to scale further. The backing from large investors also highlights the confidence in 5B’s ability to reshape the solar installation landscape.

Repurposing Land for Solar: Innovative Applications

5B’s Maverick arrays are being used in creative ways, including on repurposed land sites like rock dumps and former rubbish dumps. One example is a solar installation at Northern Star’s Jundee mine in Western Australia, where 5B arrays have been placed on a previously unused rock dump.

Repurposing such land for solar installations not only maximizes the use of space but also provides a sustainable solution for former industrial sites. These projects help reduce land-use conflicts and promote a circular economy, where every piece of land is optimized for environmental benefits.

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Spotlight on Liontown Resources: Powering Lithium Production

This Company Can Build Solar Farms 10 Times Faster
Liontown Resources’ Kathleen Valley lithium mine, has installed a 5B solar array. 

Liontown Resources is a key example of 5B’s success in the mining sector. The Kathleen Valley lithium mine, located about 680 km northeast of Perth, began its first lithium production in July 2024. Built at a cost of $951 million, the site is a cornerstone for battery mineral production, serving clients like LG Energy Solutions, Tesla, and Ford.

The integration of 5B’s solar arrays at Kathleen Valley supports Liontown’s sustainability goals and reduces its reliance on fossil fuels. By harnessing renewable energy, the mine can operate more efficiently, contributing to a lower carbon footprint for lithium production—a critical component of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Kapture: Innovation in Carbon Capture for Diesel Generators

While 5B focuses on solar, another innovative company, Kapture, has made strides in reducing carbon emissions from diesel generators. Founded in 2022, Kapture has developed a technology that captures carbon dioxide from diesel exhausts using a device retrofitted to the exhaust system. The captured CO2 is then embedded into concrete, making it a sustainable solution for emissions management.

Kapture’s technology stands out due to its low energy consumption and zero back pressure, making it an efficient option for industries reliant on diesel generators. The company is currently preparing for a commercial pilot with a major energy company in Australia, aiming to demonstrate its carbon capture solution at a larger scale.

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The Future of Solar and Carbon Solutions in Australia

As Australia and the world push towards reducing emissions, companies like 5B and Kapture are critical to achieving energy transition goals. 5B’s rapid solar deployment capabilities offer a solution to the slow pace of renewable projects, while Kapture’s carbon capture technology addresses emissions from existing diesel infrastructure. Together, these innovations are helping to bridge the gap between current energy demands and the need for sustainable practices.

With the growing interest in clean energy from industries such as mining, the potential for rapid deployment solutions is vast. Companies that can deliver speed, efficiency, and adaptability will play a central role in shaping the future of energy.

Conclusion

5B is setting a new standard in the solar industry by drastically reducing installation times and making renewable energy more accessible and viable for industries that require quick solutions. As demand for clean energy increases, the ability to deploy solar farms swiftly becomes more critical than ever. Combined with innovations like Kapture’s carbon capture technology, 5B’s approach offers a promising path forward in the global effort to combat climate change.

FAQs

Question 1: What is 5B’s Maverick system?
Answer 1: The Maverick system is a prefabricated solar array that can be deployed up to 10 times faster than traditional installations. It’s designed for efficiency and minimal on-site labor.

Question 2: Why is speed important in solar farm deployment?
Answer 2: Faster deployment enables companies to transition to renewable energy quicker, helping to meet emissions targets and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Question 3: What is the role of 5B in the mining industry?
Answer 3: 5B provides rapid solar installation solutions for off-grid mining sites, offering a reliable and sustainable energy source in remote areas.

Question 4: How does Kapture’s carbon capture technology work?
Answer 4: Kapture’s technology captures CO2 emissions from diesel generators using a retrofitted device and embeds the CO2 into concrete during production.

Question 5: What are the benefits of prefabricated solar arrays?
Answer 5: Prefabricated arrays reduce labor costs, shorten project timelines, and are ideal for remote locations where traditional construction methods are not feasible.

References

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