Case Study
Western Sydney International Airport
Project Size:
4.5MWp Rooftop Solar
When Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport opens in late 2026 it will mark one of the largest and most ambitious infrastructure projects in Australia. The scale of the development is immense, and delivering solar at this level required experience few contractors in the country could match.
Over a four-year period, Smart Commercial Solar worked alongside award-winning electrical contractor Heyday 5 and builder Multiplex to design and install a 4.5MWp system across the main terminal roof, both piers and the car park walkways. The result is a landmark installation that demonstrates Smart’s ability to solve complex engineering challenges and deliver renewable energy at mega-project scale.
8824 panels
4.5MWp peak output
Over 5800 MWh generation
4052t of CO2 savings
"Western Sydney International is not just another airport - it’s a landmark project that demanded creative problem-solving, collaboration, and precision at every step. From developing a brand-new clamp to managing complex site logistics, our team proved once again that Smart thrives in challenging environments."
BEN ADAMSON, HEAD OF PROJECTS & PERFORMANCE, SMART COMMERCIAL SOLAR
INNOVATIONS
This was no ordinary rooftop solar project. Unique requirements demanded creative solutions:
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Custom engineering: The roof profile required a new clamp design, developed in partnership with supplier Sunlock. Large bulb-profile roof sheets demanded careful consideration of thermal expansion.
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Complex site logistics: With multiple trades and over 200 workers onsite at peak, safety and coordination were critical. Smart managed multiple teams across different areas while maintaining strict safety compliance.
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Structural optimisation: For the solar-covered walkways, Smart worked closely with structural engineers to extend panels as close as possible to the edge of available area while remaining compliant.
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Stakeholder management: The project required alignment with multiple tiers of stakeholders — government bodies, Multiplex, Heyday 5, and numerous subcontractors.
“Our environmental and sustainability vision is to design, build and operate a safe, thriving and sustainable airport … We understand how important it is that airports, and the aviation sector more broadly, show leadership in tackling climate change, reducing pollution and landfill, delivering positive social outcomes for communities and conserving natural resources.”
WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT
RESULTS
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4.5MWp of solar capacity ready to support the airport’s operations.
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A showcase of Smart’s problem-solving capabilities on large, non-standard projects.
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Alignment with WSI’s Sustainability Plan, which prioritises carbon reduction and renewable energy integration.
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Recognition of the broader project team’s excellence through Heyday 5’s NECA NSW award.
The system is now installed and awaiting client commissioning and AFC process before going live.
