General News
2 May, 2023
Charging up for a cooler change
Solar carpark will reduce Cazalys’ power bill
A SOLAR-powered shaded carpark for more than 180 vehicles is being built at Cazalys club at Westcourt.
The first stage is underway with a date for the second stage yet to be set. The cost of the project has not been revealed.
The facility will also reduce the club’s electricity bill and be able to charge electric vehicles.
Cazalys general manager Jason Wale said the club had “thought long and hard about delivering a must for our members and guests by providing a solar shaded carpark option”.
“In the midst of a Far North Queensland summer, inside a locked car the temperatures can exceed 50 degrees,” he said.
“There were other factors to take into consideration including, a cyclone-rated system, the ability to adapt the design to be energy efficient, EV charging, and providing sustainable and greener energy via solar for the Cazalys operations.
“Cazalys is serious about reducing their carbon footprint, so we have teamed up with Cairns company Portagrid Electrical Pty Ltd to install the solar array, which provides the best commercial solution, which is also good for the community and the environment.
“The solar array features a bifacial solar panel, where solar can be produced from both sides of a bifacial module, which increases energy generation. These bifacial panels are more durable because both sides are UV resistant.
“Once the Mulgrave Rd carpark is complete it should save Cazalys approximately 31 per cent on electricity costs and provide shade cover for our members’ vehicles.
“The solar array includes an energy portal will provide data on the total electricity usage, and we anticipate we will be exporting power to the Cairns electricity network.
“This data will be shown on a television screen installed in the main reception area.”
Mr Wale said the system would have a 637kW solar array providing shade to 184 carparks and would include a four-bay electric vehicle charging spaces.
“EV owners will be able to charge their electric car while using the club facilities,” he said. “Cazalys is excited to be forerunners within the community.
“We are constantly introducing measures to protect our environment and reduce our costs.”
Mr Wale said construction would be completed in two stages to reduce the disruption to members by still providing limited car spaces on the Mulgrave Rd site.
“However, Cazalys does have a second car park, behind the Cazalys building with entry via our second reception (signed as P2 parking) into Barassi’s restaurant. This carpark can also be accessed via the Tills St AFL entrance,” he said.
Mr Wale said the project was providing work for 10 local businesses.
