Nyngan RSL installs 50 kW solar power solution

Energy Action, a provider of energy procurement, contract management, energy reporting and sustainability solutions for Australian businesses, has engineered a 50 kW solar power solution for Nyngan RSL Club in western NSW. The system will cut the club’s operating costs and reduce its carbon footprint.

With over 1500 members and 35 employees, Nyngan RSL Club has been serving the Nyngan community since 1960. Concerned about the potential future price rises in electricity and keen to understand the best way to go about minimising the club’s impact on the environment and reduce its carbon footprint, Nyngan RSL Club Manager Sharyn Martin contacted Energy Action for advice.

“I really wanted the best possible advice on an on-site solar power installation as it was quite a large investment for the club,” Martin said.

Nyngan RSL made the decision to install a 50 kW solar power system, which was commissioned in August 2013. The system is valued at almost $90,000 and is expected to save the club approximately 18% in its energy bills per annum, with the system fully repaid in under 10 years.

“Our solar power installation will provide us with an additional energy source to complement our current power requirements, offsetting our energy bills and providing us with substantial savings into the future, whilst reducing our carbon footprint,” Martin said.

Throughout the project Energy Action provided the advice, project management, and supply and installation requirements for the solar power solution, based on the specific requirements for the site. According to Edward Hanna, Energy Action’s director of sustainability solutions, “Our objective is to sit on the client’s side of the table so we can really understand their requirements and propose the most efficient solution for their site and business.

“Electricity is used every single day by Nyngan RSL as they operate seven days a week, so it’s important for them to understand the best way to minimise their energy usage and power bills, and also have a more positive impact on the environment by reducing their carbon footprint. We were delighted to partner with Sharyn Martin and the Nyngan RSL to engineer and deliver the most efficient solar solution for their club.”

The club is now talking to Energy Action about other ways to minimise their energy usage, like undertaking an energy audit to understand how energy is used throughout the club, and improvements in lighting and air conditioning to further reduce energy usage.

Energy Action will continue to monitor and report on the performance of the on-site solar system to ensure it continues to deliver the positive financial and environmental outcomes for Nyngan RSL Club.

“I’m really happy with the outcome of the project and I would definitely recommend Energy Action to any club or business considering taking this step,” said Martin.