Home of the Melbourne Cup launches major commercial solar project with Sharp EIT Solutions

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC), custodians of Flemington Racecourse, home of the Melbourne Cup, has partnered with Sharp EIT Solutions on a major commercial solar project designed to support the venue’s long-term sustainability and energy efficiency goals.

As part of the multi-year partnership, Sharp EIT Solutions has been appointed the
VRC’s Official Green Energy Partner and will deliver a large-scale solar installation
across key Flemington Racecourse infrastructure,
including The Hillstand, Grandstand 1, and Grandstand 2.

The initial installation will feature approximately 1,238 solar panels and a combined
767.56kW DC system designed to generate an estimated 1,007,436 kWh of renewable electricity annually.

The project represents the first stage of a broader long-term renewable energy strategy across Flemington Racecourse, with the potential to scale to approximately 2MW across the precinct over time.

The installation is expected to significantly reduce the VRC’s reliance on grid electricity while supporting operational efficiency and long-term sustainability outcomes across one of Australia’s most iconic sporting and entertainment destinations.

#“As a global leader in racing and major events, we are continually exploring opportunities to strengthen our sustainable business practices and future-proof our operations,” Rogers said

“This project allows us to reduce reliance on traditional electricity infrastructure while continuing to evolve Flemington Racecourse as a world-class venue for racing, entertainment and major events.”

VRC

VRC Chief Executive

Kylie Rogers

The combined environmental impact of the system is estimated to be equivalent to:

Planting approximately 18,212 trees annually
Avoiding approximately 302,527 litres of petrol consumption per year
Avoiding approximately 343,821kg of coal burned annually

VRC Chief Executive Kylie Rogers said the partnership represented an important step in the Club’s sustainability journey.

For more than 20 years, Sharp EIT Solutions has delivered integrated business technology, communications, and infrastructure solutions to organisations across Australia. The Australian-owned company now operates nationally across Managed IT & Cybersecurity, LED Display Screens, Digital Screens & AV Solutions, Office Technology, and Commercial Solar & Battery Solutions.

Sharp EIT Solutions Managing Director Mario Bernatovic said the project reflects the growing momentum behind large-scale renewable infrastructure adoption across Australian businesses and venues.

“Commercial organisations are increasingly looking for smarter and more sustainable ways to manage long-term energy costs while improving operational efficiency,” Bernatovic said.

“This project demonstrates how commercial solar can be successfully integrated into large-scale sporting and entertainment venues in a way that delivers both environmental and commercial outcomes.

“Whilst this is one of our larger installations, Sharp EIT Solutions supports commercial solar projects ranging from 20kW systems through to large-scale 1MW-plus deployments nationally.”

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