Over the past six months the Club has reviewed its current energy suppliers and researched what green energy schemes were available under government grants or renewable energy certificates and or tariffs. The Club engaged a number of local green energy suppliers and received quotes. The Club currently has two energy supplies, one to the Clubhouse and Proshop and the other to the greens and cart sheds. Both areas have opportunities to install solar panels and receive some good rebates.
There are a number of schemes in the market, the two options the Club reviewed were largescale generation certificates (LGC’s) which are systems over 100KW and small technology certificates (STC’s) which are under a 100KW. Both schemes have great incentives and rebates. The big difference in the LCG’s receive larger incentives for a longer period of time, the STC’s receive the rebate upfront on the capital outlay. Both schemes are guaranteed by government.
The Club decided to proceed with the 99 KW system for the clubhouse with a local northern beaches based company Solar Energy Enterprises, their closest office being in Mona Vale. The cost of the system was $150K with a rebate of $60K for the STC’s. Nett cost to the Club of $90K. Below is a detailed spreadsheet showing the cost saving going forward. The Club will use the energy it creates and save $17k+ on its energy bill by the end of the first full year of the solar operating. Once the system is paid off in 7 years, the savings jump to $43k+ per year.
The solar panels have been in operation for the past two months. The table below shows a comparison for March 2018 vs March 2019. During the first full month of operation, the panels are performing better than the forecasted savings, (shown above) The new system allows us to the track the energy we create as well as the energy we are using. This information can be accessed by an on-line portal at the Club.
If the Kilo-watt hours fall below a certain level, we receive an email to alert us of underperformance. This can then be checked immediately and rectified.
The Club has received lots of positive feedback on creating clean green energy. Phase two of the solar panels will be the greens and cart facilities. This will proceed once the new course lease are completed in 2020.
New Solar System February 2019
