PROJECTS / WESTS ILLAWARRA LEAGUES CLUB - STAGE 2
WESTS ILLAWARRA LEAGUES CLUB - STAGE 2
Solar Car Park & Renewable Energy Canopy. An additional 124 kWp bay delivered site-start to handover in just 7 days — a new Canyon Solar installation record.
LocationUnanderra, NSW
CompletionMarch 2025
ClientWests Illawarra Leagues Club
Delivery Partner30
Pods7
dAYS iNSTALL32
Car Spaces124 kWp
SolarPROJECT OVERVIEWAN ADDITIONAL BAY. A NEW INSTALLATION RECORD.
The Stage 2 expansion at Wests Illawarra Leagues Club delivered an additional bay of Canyon Solar's modular, prefabricated solar canopy system — extending shaded parking, increasing onsite renewable energy generation, and further enhancing the member experience at one of the Illawarra's busiest community venues.
Delivered in partnership with Smart Commercial Energy and building directly on the success of Stage 1, the expansion added 32 fully undercover parking bays with a waterproof central walkway, creating what has quickly become the most sought-after parking area at the club. With 124 kWp of additional solar capacity now online, the club's total installed system across all four bays sits at an impressive 484 kWp — a significant reduction in energy costs and a meaningful step forward in the club's sustainability strategy. Total shaded parking now stands at 152 spaces.
The project was completed in just 7 days from site start to handover — a new record for Canyon Solar installation speed, demonstrating the full potential of the factory-first construction model when foundations and conduit are forward-planned in earlier stages.
PROJECT BACKGROUNDBUILDING ON STAGE 1.
Following the successful delivery of Stage 1 — which transformed the club's main car park into a modern renewable energy asset with 120 shaded parking spaces and 364 kWp of solar capacity — Wests Illawarra committed to expanding the system with an additional canopy bay.
The Stage 2 expansion was designed to maximise the value of planning and infrastructure work completed during Stage 1. Foundations for the new bay were integrated into the base-build of the car park during the original stage, and all underground electrical conduit was pre-installed. This forward-thinking approach meant Stage 2 could proceed without any additional civil works, excavation, or disruption to the existing car park surface.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Expand shaded, all-weather parking for members, guests and staff
Increase onsite solar generation to further reduce electricity costs
Deliver a premium undercover parking experience with a waterproof walkway
Complete the installation with minimal disruption to club operations
Demonstrate the scalability and speed of Canyon Solar's modular system
DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, DELIVER, INSTALL.
The Stage 2 expansion involved the design, manufacture, delivery and installation of an additional modular solar canopy bay, extending the existing solar car park infrastructure at the club.
Engineering and design of additional modular solar canopy structures
Offsite prefabrication of 30 canopy pods
Crane-assisted installation of prefabricated pods
Integration of Canadian Solar PV modules
Electrical reticulation and system commissioning
Waterproof central walkway integration
Scope of workFORWARD-PLANNED FOUNDATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
A defining feature of the Stage 2 project was the elimination of civil works entirely. During Stage 1, Canyon Solar worked with the client to integrate foundations and underground conduit for the future expansion bay into the original base-build. This pre-planning delivered major advantages:
Zero excavation or civil works required
No disruption to the existing car park surface
Dramatically reduced onsite programme duration
Lower overall project cost for the expansion
Immediate readiness for pod installation upon site mobilisation
MODULAR DESIGN AND PREFABRICATION
Consistent with all Canyon Solar installations, approximately 80% of the construction work for Stage 2 was completed offsite in a controlled factory environment. Each solar pod was pre-assembled to include structural steel components, solar module mounting systems and preliminary electrical integration. Pods were delivered fully loaded with panels and installed via crane lift, allowing the entire bay to take shape in a matter of days rather than weeks.
RECORD-SPEED INSTALLATION
From site mobilisation to handover, the entire project was completed in just 7 days — a record for Canyon Solar installation speed. This was achieved through pre-installed foundations and conduit from Stage 1, factory-first pod prefabrication with panels pre-loaded, efficient crane logistics and sequencing, and tight coordination between Canyon Solar and Smart Commercial Energy. The installation took place during a period of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 36°C on crane day — a testament to the planning, preparation and professionalism of all teams involved.
“The modular solution meant a lot of the fabrication work could be done offsite, which meant there was minimal disruption to our patrons and we managed to get the project completed prior to Christmas.”
— Matt Demos, Strategic Leader, Wests Illawarra Leagues ClubProject OutcomesA PREMIUM MEMBER AMENITY AND A BENCHMARK SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOME.
PREMIUM MEMBER AMENITY
The completed Stage 2 bay features 32 additional undercover parking spaces with a fully waterproof central walkway, creating a premium parking experience for club members. The covered area has quickly become the most popular parking location at the club, offering genuine all-weather protection from sun, rain, and extreme heat.
Combined with the Stage 1 installation, Wests Illawarra now offers 152 shaded parking spaces, a significant enhancement to the overall member experience and a visible demonstration of the club’s investment in modern, sustainable facilities.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY OUTCOMES
The club's total installed system now stands at 488.4 kWp across all four canopy bays — one of the largest solar car park installations at a community club in Australia, delivering significant grid reduction and a meaningful cut in the club's carbon footprint.
Key sustainability outcomes include:
Significant reduction in grid electricity consumption
Lower long-term energy costs for the club
Meaningful reduction in the club’s carbon footprint
Alignment with broader community expectations around environmental responsibility
DEMONSTRATING SCALABILITY
The forward-planning of foundations during Stage 1 made Stage 2 faster, cheaper and virtually disruption-free — a proven staged model for clubs and operators matching capex to budget, operations and growth. The Wests model demonstrates that a staged approach can deliver:
Lower upfront capital expenditure per stage
Faster installation timelines for subsequent stages
Minimal operational disruption during expansion
Increasing returns as system capacity grows
Project SignificanceA MILESTONE FOR THE CLUB - AND FOR CANYON SOLAR.
The Wests Illawarra Leagues Club Stage 2 project represents a milestone for both the club and Canyon Solar. With a total system now exceeding 484 kWp across four canopy bays and 152 shaded parking spaces, the club has transformed its car park into one of the most impressive solar canopy installations in the community and sporting club sector.
The 7-day installation record underscores the efficiency and maturity of Canyon Solar's prefabricated delivery model, particularly when combined with forward-planned infrastructure. For clubs and venues across Australia looking to reduce energy costs, improve member amenities and take meaningful action on sustainability, the Wests Illawarra project provides a clear, proven roadmap.
IS YOUR FACILITY READY FOR INFRASTUCTURE THAT WORKS AROUND YOU?
Contact the Canyon Solar team today to get a proposal for your site.