• The Todae Solar technicians installing some of the 379 solar panels on the roof of Club Sapphire Merimbula.
Club Sapphire Merimbula has completed the final stage of its five-year plan in taking a pro-active role in reducing its carbon emissions and electricity consumption with the installation of a 95kw roof top solar system.
“We are now using approximately 33 per cent less electricity than we were five years ago,” Club Sapphire Merimbula CEO Damien Foley said.
“The installers, Todae Solar, have said that our solar energy system would certainly be one of the 50 largest (and perhaps even top 30) rooftop solar systems installed in Australia.”
As one of Australia’s largest rooftop systems it generates 124,593kilowatt hours and reduces emissions by 165 tonnes per year, the equivalent of 68 small cars off the road, Mr Foley said.
“This is the final stage of an initial five stage plan to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions at Club Sapphire Merimbula,” Mr Foley said.
The five parts to this plan included:
• Installation of 95kW rooftop solar energy system;
• Installation of a voltage power optimiser to ensure the club only draws the electricity needed from the grid with no wastage;
• Replacement of more than 600 inefficient old technology lights with energy efficient LED globes;
• Upgrade of club house air conditioning and freezer/cooling systems to more energy efficient models; and
• Staff monitoring all electricity usage.
In February 2009 the club’s electricity consumption was 143,866kilowatt hours compared to 91,903kilowatt hours last month.
The installation was commissioned as part of the Solar in Clubs program through Clubs’ Sustainable Futures and Solar Choice, servicing the NSW Club industry.
Todae Solar was awarded the project through a competitive tender managed by Solar Choice.
Mr Foley was very pleased with the installation and said that Todae Solar provided an excellent service in managing the entire project.
“The system has only been on the roof for a short period, but we are already seeing the benefits both in the reduction in energy usage but also the fantastic response we have had from our members and the wider community to the initiative.”
The system is expected to not only generate significant energy savings for Club Sapphire but also have a large impact on the carbon footprint of the club.