Anglicare Retirement Villages

Anglicare became concerned with rising energy costs at their retirement villages and wanted to make installing solar a simple process for their residents. Smart Commercial Solar were approached to deliver a sustainable solution that would lower the running costs for newly built Independent Living Units (ILUs).

The initial challenge was to correctly size a solar system for an ILU that had no energy data.

Smart’s analysis team relied on a database of data used for existing systems at retirement villages, a model was used to build the load profile for an average household.

The results indicated that each unit be installed with a 1.5kW system, reducing the energy consumption of each ILU by 40%.

The project has rolled out in 5 month stages, to date 10 stages have been completed with an average of 45 ILUs built per stage.

Rather than retrofitting the solar systems after the build is complete, Smart worked with Strongbuild, MJH Multi, Eden Brae Homes and PBS Building to install simultaneously.

Installing amongst other trades on site can be challenging. Smart Commercial Solar Project Management team integrated with key contractors to ensure smooth deliverables. Each milestone was met without delays.

All connection agreements were lodged and approved prior to commissioning, so that residents could begin using solar immediately.

Stage 1 was a huge success, resulting in 100% occupancy. This has led Anglicare to roll out solar on every new development and Smart remain the trusted partner for all future roll outs.