The Dicky Beach Surf Club recently installed a 99.68 kW solar system by Uni-Industries. Since it was installed in 2018, this solar system has helped make the club more energy efficient while raising awareness of the resilience of solar technology in coastal environments.
The solar array has 32 Longi 300W PERC mono panels, and it is connected to 4 ECO 25.0 Fronius ECO 25.0-3-S inverters. Each solar array has been carefully designed and devided into four sectors of 25 kW each, allowing the installation process to be highly efficient.
Challenges and Solutions: Coastal Environment
1. Location-Specific Issues: Due to the proximity to the ocean, Dicky Beach suffers from salt debris on the panels, which has a major impact on their efficiency. The possibility of erosion must also be taken into account — the seaside environment is not to be taken lightly. This means that the panels have to be regularly maintained and cleaned. Uni-Industries has designed a rigorous maintenance and cleaning schedule to ensure that the system continues to perform at its best, and for as long as possible. This includes removing salt deposits from the panels and checking for any signs of wear that might have affected the system.
2. Staged Installation:
As the Dicky Beach Surf Club’s solar system was installed in four 25KW phases – 99.68KW in total – the planning and procedures were precise, with minimal disruption, and helped to maximise the use of resources and provide efficient maintenance. The installation was completed in each phase with very little interruption, boosting productivity and adaptability. With this approach, Uni-Industries was able to provide the surf club with a customised, high-quality and reliable solar system that would perform well in the harsh coastal environment.
Environmental Considerations
For this environment, the greatest difficulties were caused by the high humidity levels and salt sprays, in addition to extreme weather conditions. For this reason, the selection of materials and components for the system had to be made with care – the company Uni-Industries made sure to use robust components that would have the right characteristics for such a challenging environment. The Longi panels and Fronius inverters were selected for their high durability and performance under extreme environmental conditions.Dicky Beach Surf Club: Solar Achievements and Outcomes
The solar system at Dicky Beach Surf Club has been so successful that it produces around 162 MWh per annum, saving the Club a substantial amount on its electricity bills, and benefiting the environment through reduced carbon emissions. This is a great example of solar being both good for business and the environment.
Its performance data is equally impressive, and since the installation of the Surf Club’s solar system, it has reduced energy costs by at least 75 per cent and offset at least half of its carbon footprint. The installation’s efficiency also shows that solar power is viable in coastal areas, which traditionally have bigger challenges than inland ones.
Why Dicky Beach Surf Club Selected Us
The Dicky Beach Surf Club solar installation was a success for the same reason that most renewable energy projects are successful – through going in small steps, and following up with maintenance and upgrades. Uni-Industries delivered the solar power system that the Surf Club needed to get up and running, and then stayed with the project to make sure it was performing to its full potential. As solar technology further develops, installations such as those at Dicky Beach will become even more efficient, and the cost of renewable energy will become even more attractive.
Why go solar?
Contact Uni-Industries to set up a consultation to find out how we can provide a customised solar solution to fit your energy needs. Your future in clean, sustainable, and cost-effective energy starts here.