Breakers Country Club

Smart were enlisted to provide a complete turnkey solution for Breakers Country Club, a community-centred club located on the NSW Central Coast. The design, which comprises four bays of double-sided shade structures covering a total of 86 car spaces, was executed by Smart in conjunction with our partners, Solar Car Parks.

THE CHALLENGE

The structure needed to be designed to fit within the constraints of the existing lanes, car bays and align with the services underneath the car park. To create a seamless integration with the ground, it was essential that the footings be designed to sit flush with the carpark surface.  In the event where a footing was required above a service, the team were able to use a bridge footing and maintain the design.

The project required a number of expert contractors and suppliers be managed in a seamless flow to build a turnkey solution which integrated LED lighting and CCTV cameras.

THE SOLUTION

Breakers Country Club had initially planned on paying for the project using capital expenditure, i.e. upfront. However, once the idea of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was outlined during the sales process, management realised this procurement method was more financially favourable. The project was ultimately delivered under a 20-year PPA with a small upfront contribution from the club which ensured the fixed energy rate agreed upon was well under their market energy rate. This financial forecast was vetted by an external energy broker and gave the Club energy price security for the duration of the agreement.

As this project whilst the Club was in lockdown, construction took place with no impact on the club's patrons. Typically, projects like this are staged to avoid disrupting site operations, however this allowed the team to swiftly install the structure. The car shade structures were erected within 3 days and 1 week later the solar panels were fixed into place. The entire project was delivered by a team of 5 people and compact lifting equipment.

THE RESULTS

By using bi-facial modules we were able to significantly increase the yield of the system whilst improving the aesthetics of the site. Every bay was fitted with LED lighting and a CCTV system powered by the solar energy generated, with inverters placed safely away from patrons.

The car shade PV panels were integrated with the existing 100kW system and all necessary maintenance and services will be taken care of by the Smart Performance Team in the future.

With one Smart project, Breakers have increased their capacity to generate clean energy, improved the aesthetics of their entryway and provided an invaluable amenity to club patrons.