Athlone Sub Aqua Club installs solar panels
Athlone Sub Aqua club has installed solar photovoltaic (PV) systems as part of efforts to reduce its energy use and running costs.
Both Athlone Sub Aqua and Roscommon Underwater Search and Recovery have each had solar panels installed at their premises, supported by Midland Warmer Homes and Lumen Solar, with funding assistance from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
A total of 44 solar panels, with a combined capacity of 19.14kWp, have been installed. The electricity generated will be used by the clubs for their day-to-day needs, including lighting and equipment.
The projects were developed following discussions between the voluntary board of Midland Warmer Homes and the two sub aqua committees. Midland Warmer Homes has been delivering energy efficiency measures to homes and organisations since 2008 through a range of SEAI-funded schemes.
Image 1 of 2
A new plaque was unveiled to mark the completion of the project. Patrick Mc KeonImage 2 of 2
Left: Back row standing (left to right): Anžijus Wolf, Matt Gleeson, Declan Donoghue, Bernard Larkin, Declan Whelan, Jude Kilmartin, Mick Duffy, Paul KilmartinFront row sitting (left to right): Liam Martin, Katerina Ieromonahos, Cian Hynes, Laurence Fallon, John Flynn, Anne-Marie Hines, Sean BeeganBack row standing (left to right): Anžijus Wolf, Matt Gleeson, Declan Donoghue, Bernard Larkin, Declan Whelan, Jude Kilmartin, Mick Duffy, Paul KilmartinFront row sitting (left to right): Liam Martin, Katerina Ieromonahos, Cian Hynes, Laurence Fallon, John Flynn, Anne-Marie Hines, Sean Beeg Patrick Mc KeonThe solar installations were carried out by Athlone-based Lumen Solar. The company and Midland Warmer Homes also contributed towards the cost of the work, alongside an SEAI commercial grant, meaning the clubs did not have to meet the full cost themselves.
As part of the project, the lighting at the premises was also reviewed, with upgraded LED lighting donated by Lumen Solar and Midland Warmer Homes.
Cian Hynes, chairperson of Athlone Sub Aqua, said the club was pleased to take the step towards reducing its energy consumption.
“We’re delighted to have taken this important step towards making our club greener and more sustainable with the installation of our new solar panels and LED lighting,” he said.
“This is about more than simply reducing our electricity costs. It’s a progressive investment in the future of the club and our contribution, however small, to Ireland’s transition towards a cleaner, greener economy.”
He thanked SEAI, Midland Warmer Homes and Lumen Solar for their support, adding that the club hoped the project would benefit its members for many years.
The SEAI's Communities Energy Grant programme provides support for energy efficiency projects involving community, residential, private and public sector buildings.
The scheme is intended to help organisations reduce energy use and running costs through measures such as renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades.
For the two sub aqua clubs, the installation provides an opportunity to generate some of their own electricity while reducing their reliance on grid power.