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Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club has switched on a new 96-panel solar system expected to save the volunteer-run club more than $9000 a year.
The installation, delivered by Entelar Energy and Trilect Solar, will reduce pressure from rising power costs and allow the 73-year-old club to direct more funding towards patrols, training, equipment and community support.
Entelar Energy and Trilect Solar helped fund the project through a community partnership, contributing expertise, equipment and installation support.
The system will reduce operating costs, strengthen the club’s long-term sustainability and free up more resources for keeping local beaches safe.
“We jumped at the chance to be involved,” said Laura Dewar, energy lead at Entelar Energy.
“As a New Zealand business, community projects where we can create real, lasting value are an important part of who we are.”
Entelar Energy, part of the Entelar Group, supplies solar systems aimed at reducing energy costs and improving resilience, while New Zealand-owned Trilect Solar designs and installs clean-energy systems.
“We carried out a detailed assessment of the club using 12 -months of energy data to identify the solution that would optimise performance, maximise self-consumption and deliver the best financial outcome,” said Peter McInally, owner of Trilect Solar.
The completed system, which includes a 43.68kW DC solar PV array and an Entelar Energy 29.9kW three phase Smart String Inverter, has been purpose-built for Red Beach’s coastal conditions, combining high efficiency solar technology with panels designed to withstand salt exposure and other environmental stresses.
Its 96 solar panels are certified for use in highly corrosive coastal environments and carry a 30 -year warranty, ensuring the system can continue delivering reliable renewable energy to the Club for decades to come.
Trilect completed the installation in just four days, with virtually no disruption to the club’s operations.
Club manager Ange Moore said the process was seamless.
“For a volunteer-run organisation, finding ways to manage rising operating costs while continuing to invest in surf lifesaving services is always a challenge.
“This project is an investment in the long-term sustainability of our club, giving us greater certainty around energy costs and allowing us to focus more of our resources on keeping people safe and supporting our community.”
The system is forecast to generate around 56MWh of renewable energy each year, which is equivalent to powering around eight average New Zealand homes for a year, with estimated annual savings of $9,338 for the club.
It is also expected to deliver an environmental benefit equivalent to avoiding 19,100kg of coal or 16,806 litres of petrol, or planting 1,012 trees each year.
“This project shows what is possible when organisations work together around a shared purpose,” said Dewar.
“The partnership with Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club demonstrates how community infrastructure can become more sustainable, cost-effective and resilient through the right energy partnerships.”
