Solar Diverter Installation
We’re pleased to share another improvement at the clubhouse, this time focused on reducing energy costs and making better use of what we already generate.
With support from the Shell Small Grants programme via Buchan Development Partnership, we’ve installed a solar diverter. This works alongside our existing solar panels and battery storage to ensure that excess electricity doesn’t go to waste. When the club is generating more electricity than it’s using, the diverter automatically redirects that spare energy into heating our hot water, rather than exporting it back to the grid.
Why this matters
Hot water is something we and our affiliated organisation use every session, for showers, handwashing and washing dishes but it’s one of the more expensive parts of running the building, with electricity currently costing around 28p per kWh. At the same time, any electricity we export only returns around 4p per kWh.
Last year alone, the club exported over 1,300 kWh of electricity. With the diverter now in place, much of that energy can instead be used on site.
This means:
More hot water available when it’s needed
Lower electricity costs over time
Better use of the renewable energy we generate
It also improves our self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on grid electricity, all without disruption to club activity or major building work.
Part of a bigger picture
The solar diverter is a good example of commitment to being as self sustainable as possible. It builds directly on our existing solar setup and supports ongoing work around smarter heating and hot water use, improving energy efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy costs.
As the clubhouse continues to see increased, year round use from sailing, windsurfing, rowing and other groups, managing energy demand sustainably becomes more important. Projects like this help ensure we can do that while keeping running costs under control.
Looking ahead
We’ll continue to look for opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs across the club. The savings made through projects like this can be reinvested back into activities, maintenance and opportunities for everyone using the club.
Thank you
A big thank you to Buchan Development Partnership and the Shell Small Grants programme for supporting this project.
