Wentworth Golf Club general manager Ian Starr said the solar system, which was switched on at the end of July, was the first of its kind to be installed in the central west.

The innovative technology in the new system means the power generated and used can be monitored on an hourly basis using a Wi-Fi connection.

Mr Starr said the club was already reaping the rewards of the system.

“Even on cold days it has started generating a limited amount of electricity from 6.30am and I found that very surprising,” he said.

Mr Starr said it was hard to generate additional income at Wentworth Golf Club, like all small clubs across Australia.

“So some of the answers to remaining viable for a club like ours was to look at making savings,” he said.

Mr Starr said the club’s average electricity bill of $5000 a month would be halved.

He said extensive research carried out by the installers Solar PV determined switching on the pumps to water the course caused a surge in electricity usage.

“That is a hugely expensive part of our operation here,” he said.

Mr Starr said the providers used the latest technology in installing the solar car shade.

“Once it was installed they used a drone to fly over the top and monitor it,” he said.

He said the system cost $80,000 to install, but would pay for itself in just a few years.

“The great thing about this system we have here too is that it can be expanded in future years if we need it,” he said.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au