Iberdrola Australia was engaged to deliver a unique solar carpark system and electric vehicle DC fast charger in the heart of the Lismore CBD.

The system was inspired by the local, endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia). The outspread wings of the structure capture rainwater which is stored in a tank and then used to water the array of native plants in both hanging and ground mounted planters. Most important of these plants is the Birdwing Butterfly Vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa), which is the host plant for these majestic butterflies. 

The bifacial solar panels generate electricity from both the front and rear sides and are semitransparent, allowing filtered light through to the area below, perfect for both the plants growing there and the carpark users.

Reclaimed timber clads the sides of the columns, with trellises attached to allow the Birdwing Butterfly Vines in the planter boxes below to grow up the structure.

Hanging planter boxes are suspended between the columns with plantings of natives that will fill out and hang over the sides as they mature. 

The structure and its footings were designed to manage the flooding which the site can be susceptible to, with the electrical components located above the water line next to the substation on the amenities block roof. 

The solar panels themselves form a watertight canopy, with the rainwater collected in a box gutter and stored in a 10,000L water tank. The reclaimed water is used to irrigate the plants throughout the carpark. The box gutter is trafficable to allow access for maintenance and cleaning. 

"Council is very happy with the outcome here. We've worked very closely with Iberdrola and it is a great looking piece of infrastructure."

Scott Turner (Manager Assets), Lismore City Council