RESINC helps SLS clubs go solar

Eight of the 16 surf lifesaving clubhouses across the Central Coast are now operating on renewable energy, thanks to a community funding partnership from RESINC Solar based in Wyong.

Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club is the most recent switching to solar power, following Central Coast Surf Life Saving head office in Tuggerah, and clubhouses at Shelly Beach, The Entrance, Ocean Beach in Umina, Copacabana, Avoca and North Avoca.

The remaining clubhouses are expected to convert to solar energy soon.

Community Partners Manager at RESINC Solar, Chris Wilson, said the company was an active sponsor of surf clubs around Australia and provided a generous monetary benefit to the clubs.

“We believe surf clubs shouldn’t be burdened with rising electricity costs, so RESINC donates solar systems to help reduce their carbon footprint, save on power bills and focus on saving lives,” he said.

 “As a local social enterprise, we match grant funds to help those clubs get their solar installed with as little out-of-pocket expense as possible so they can keep their precious dollars focussed on saving lives and keeping our beaches safe.

 “It’s actually shocking how much power these clubs need to use to keep the clubhouse running, the consumption is really high, so having solar can save them thousands of dollars a year.

 “They are sizable systems we’ve installed to make a significant difference, all individually designed and compliant with the Ausgrid network, to get the most value possible and allow the clubs to put the money saved back into training, equipment or education,” Wilson said.

The Entrance Surf Club is the only clubhouse to have a battery installed as part of its solar system, to provide some extra blackout protection and to cater for specific needs.

“It has that beautiful façade on the front which meant nothing could be installed street-facing, so panels on the eastern side have to produce maximum output, and they also have a lot of usage in the afternoon and evening, so that’s what the battery is useful for there,” Wilson said.

CEO of Central Coast Surf Life Saving, Jon Harkness, said long-term partners RESINC Solar was an organisation with a strong social responsibility.

“To give back to community through surf lifesaving is quite incredible,” he said.

“Their systems are really high quality and some of our clubs are saving tens of thousands of dollars a year and, for example, head office runs for virtually nothing and we don’t really notice the power bill now, it’s incredible.

“These significant savings can be channelled back into training, education and equipment which ultimately provides a service to keep the beaches and the community safe,” Harkness said.

RESINC Solar CEO, Leigh Storr, said surf lifesaving was “one of the community organisations I really believe in”.

“We will be installing solar at the remaining surf clubs on the Coast – it’s a matter of when, not if.”

Storr said it was a “privilege” to support Central Coast Surf Life Saving and the 15 clubs which provided such an integral volunteer service to the community.

RESINC Solar also sponsors the Rookie Lifesaver Program and the Rip Awareness Program.

Sue Murray