In fact, for Nelson Bay Bowling Club the installation of more than 300 solar panels has been achieved with zero upfront costs. What's more, the club is expected to save $10,000 on its annual energy bill.

Club chairman Max Harman said the decision by the board to go solar was made easier by the innovative 92.4Kw 'Solar Energy Service' provided by panel supplier On Generation.

"We have a forward-thinking board who care about the environment and sustainability, with a focus on reducing the club's impact on carbon emissions," Mr Harman said.

"After understanding both the environmental and financial benefits that switching to solar would bring, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the club could reap all the benefits of a commercial solar system without the significant upfront costs.

"We don't have to pay for the solar panels, 308 in total. We pay only for the renewable electricity the solar panels produce. At bout 50 per cent of the cost of our supplied electricity, that equates to some significant annual savings for the club.

"It's good for the environment, it's good for our members and it makes good financial sense."

On Generation CEO Chris Bartlett said it was his company's mission to reduce carbon emissions by supporting commercial organisation switch to solar energy.

"Installing a commercial solar system can be expensive which can lead to business owners delaying their decisions," he said.

"Through 'Solar Energy Service' the club only pays for the solar electricity it utilises and it keeps its existing grid for when the sun isn't shining, saving the organisation in excess of $10,000 a year.

"Over 10 years the club will save more money with the service than if it had purchased solar panels outright [approximately $115,000 designed and installed]."

The system is expected to be operationally at Nelson Bay Bowling Club by the end of July, generating 133 MWh of renewable energy in its first 12 months. It is expected that Nelson Bay's carbon emissions would be reduced by 140 tonnes a year.