Charging up for a cooler change

Solar carpark will reduce Cazalys’ power bill

l CAIRNS CBD

| Nick Dalton

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