Smart Commercial Energy Delivers Largest System on a Club In Australia

Recently, Smart Commercial Solar was featured in Renew Economy's sister site One Step Off The Grid's latest article after delivering the largest solar system to a club in Australia.

Warilla Bowls Club Expands Solar Capacity to 414kW

Smart Commercial Solar was recently featured by One Step Off The Grid, Renew Economy’s dedicated renewable energy publication, following the delivery of what was recognised as the largest solar system installed on an Australian club at the time.

The project saw Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, significantly expand its existing renewable energy infrastructure. Building on an already established 100kW solar system, the club installed an additional 314kW rooftop solar array, bringing total solar generation capacity to an impressive 414kW.

The majority of the new system was installed on the roof of the club’s indoor bowling greens, maximising available roof space while generating substantial amounts of clean energy to support the venue's day-to-day operations.

Reducing Energy Costs and Grid Dependence

According to the article, the expanded commercial solar installation was expected to reduce the club’s reliance on grid electricity by approximately 25 per cent. The project was also forecast to deliver annual savings of around $75,000 through a combination of lower electricity costs and revenue generated from Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs).

For organisations with large facilities and significant daytime energy consumption, commercial solar systems can provide substantial operational benefits. Sporting clubs, hospitality venues, recreation centres, and other community organisations often operate extensive lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, and equipment loads, making them well suited to onsite solar generation.

As electricity prices continue to rise across Australia, many businesses and community organisations are increasingly looking at commercial solar as a long-term strategy to improve energy cost certainty and reduce operating expenses.

Sustainability and Strong Business Outcomes

Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club's decision to expand its solar capacity was largely driven by increasing electricity prices across New South Wales. As an active member of the Illawarra Sustainable Clubs Alliance, the organisation also recognised the environmental benefits of generating more renewable energy onsite.

The project reflected a broader trend highlighted in the article, with commercial solar installations experiencing strong growth across Australia. Industry data from SunWiz noted that commercial solar installations accounted for 32 per cent of the market share at the time, demonstrating growing confidence in the business case for solar energy.

The article also pointed to a growing number of businesses and organisations choosing to expand existing solar systems rather than installing solar for the first time. Falling solar installation costs combined with rising grid electricity prices have continued to strengthen the financial returns available from commercial solar investments.

As Warilla Club General Manager Phillip Kipp explained:

"Operating sustainably makes for a very compelling business case."

"Not only will the Club make significant cost savings but we will also minimise our impact upon the environment."

The Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club project remains a strong example of how large-scale commercial solar installations can help organisations reduce costs, improve sustainability outcomes, and strengthen long-term energy resilience.

Access the full article here