An Industry First: Sunlock's switch LocAl® Green Aluminium

Embracing Sustainability in Solar Energy

In a pioneering move, Sunlock, Australia's leading solar mounting manufacturer, has made a groundbreaking shift to using LocAl® Green Lower Carbon Aluminium supplied by Capral. This makes Sunlock the first globally in its field to embrace this eco-friendly material, signalling a major shift towards environmental responsibility.

The Low-Carbon Aluminium Advantage

LocAl®, introduced in November 2022, stands out for its significantly reduced carbon footprint during production. With global average emissions for primary aluminium production at about 16.8 kg CO2e/kg Al, LocAl® Green slashes this by approximately 50%, offering only 8 kg CO2e/kg Al. This reduction is a massive stride in a sector where aluminium is essential yet often overlooked for its environmental impact.

Sunlock's Vision: A Greener Future

Mani Kaparakis, General Manager of Sunlock, emphasizes this commitment: "Switching to LocAl Green provides us with an opportunity to do our bit for the renewables sector." This decision aligns with Sunlock's philosophy of innovation and sustainability, demonstrating their dedication to reducing environmental impact without compromising on quality.

A Sustainable Choice Without Quality Compromise

Despite this eco-friendly transition, Sunlock ensures that the quality and performance of their unique C-Channel Rail design remain uncompromised. LocAl® Green meets all the required standards, ensuring Sunlock's products are suitable for various climates and building types, maintaining their high strength-to-weight ratio.

Setting a Green Example in the Solar Industry

Sunlock's adoption of LocAl® Green Lower Carbon Aluminium is a testament to responsible manufacturing and a step forward in reducing carbon emissions in the solar industry. By choosing to incorporate eco-friendly materials, Sunlock isn't just creating solar mounting solutions; they're leading the charge in building a more sustainable future.

To learn more about the Sunlock experience watch the #CraftedWithCapral featuring Sunlock, below:

WIN the Ultimate AFL Experience with SUNLOCK!

ATTENTION INSTALLERS ! This is your AFL VIP call! WIN the Ultimate AFL Experience with SUNLOCK! We're talking about VIP treatment, the best seats in the house, an all-inclusive 3-course meal and beverages. We're giving away up to 4 VIP tickets to the hardworking installers who get SUNLOCK on rooftops!

TO ENTER:

OPTION 1: Snap your best #SUNLOCKSelfie at a SUNLOCK site or in your SUNLOCK merch, solo or with your team, and tell us what you love about SUNLOCK! Post your #SUNLOCKselfie, tag us, and use the hashtag #SUNLOCKSelfie.

OPTION 2: COMMENT below with three things you love about SUNLOCK and SHARE this post.

Why not do both for double the chances? Remember, winners will be chosen randomly but the more entries, the higher your chances! Entries close July 10th and winners will be announced on July 11th. Get started, share your #SUNLOCKselfie today and you could be heading to an unforgettable AFL night! T&C's Below.

Terms and Conditions:

Entry: Entrants can either post a creative selfie with a SUNLOCK product along with what they love about SUNLOCK, or comment three things they love about SUNLOCK and share the post on one of the major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter). Remember to tag our official account and use the hashtag #SUNLOCKSelfie in your post.

Duration: The competition begins on 26 June and ends at 11:59 PM on July 10th.

Winner Selection: Winners will be selected randomly, however, the more entries you have, the higher your chances. Winners will be notified via direct message on the platform they used to enter on July 11th.

Prize: The prize is up to 4 VIP tickets to a SUNLOCK AFL night in our exclusive VIP box, complete with the best views in the house, an all-inclusive 3-course meal, and beverages. We may choose to give these to different entrants or multiple to one entrant. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Eligibility: Entrants must be aged 18 or over.

Consent: By entering, participants agree to allow SUNLOCK to share their entries across social media channels.

Sponsor: This competition is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Bright Insights: Then, Now and Next with Jack Rutherford.

A lifelong commitment to an industry where innovation is not a novelty, but a necessity.

Jack Rutherford's career in solar energy at Autonomous Energy (part of Iberdrola Australia), unfolded organically.

"It was all uncharted territory, but the moment I stepped into it, I knew I had found my pathway forward."

With eight years of experience in the solar industry and a strong background in the electrical sector, his journey towards a greener future has been thrilling and influential.

"Building renewable energy solutions, seeing the energy put back into offsetting customer bills and carbon footprints – it’s incredibly rewarding."

Like all careers, his newfound passion for renewables has faced challenges. Rapid industry growth has led to increased competition and market saturation.

"Yet, our unwavering commitment to quality outcomes and deep-rooted engineering background have enabled us to stand out."

Rutherford reflects on the increasing number of return customers and thriving customer relationships as markers of their success.

As an engineering-focused company, Autonomous Energy began utilising Sunlock in 2019. "I first learned about Sunlock at All Energy in 2019,” Jack explains. Sunlock quickly captured Jack's attention, leading the team to trial the range.

“Once we started using it and saw the practicality of the application, there was no looking back.”

After a brief trial period, Jack appreciated the design and engineering. He raved about the service and support from the Sunlock team, especially when accommodating last-minute requests.

“A company like that is pretty rare…”

As Autonomous Energy sets its sights on the future, the team anticipates a pipeline of exciting projects, including large-scale installations and pioneering initiatives like solar glass facades. The future looks bright and the opportunities are endless.

Jack also reflects on his personal journey. The solar industry is booming with opportunities and potential for growth.

"In five years, we'll look back at this time and realise how much further we've come."

While Jack once considered a career in sports management, his brief stint at university taught him that some things are more suited as hobbies than career paths.

"I wouldn't change my career now. The opportunities and challenges in the solar industry are too exciting."

Jack Rutherford's journey in the solar sector is a compelling narrative of rich opportunities and rewarding challenges. With many exciting initiatives on the horizon, it's clear that the future of solar energy is not just promising—it's electrifying.

Thank you, Jack, for sharing your commitment to the promising future of the solar industry.

4 Reasons you should be using the SUNLOCK East-West Tilt System

If you’re not considering the SUNLOCK East-West Tilt Mounting System for your next project, you should be. Here’s why…

1. INCREASED POWER DENSITY

Most commercial arrays are space-constrained rather than demand-constrained. This refers to the amount of power that can be generated per unit of area, the higher the power density, the greater the energy output. Allowing for more solar panels to be installed in an area, boosts power density and generates more energy from the same amount of space.

2. AERODYNAMIC DESIGN REDUCES WIND LOADING

The aerodynamic design can reduce wind loading. This can be particularly beneficial when installing on structurally challenging rooftops. Despite additional panels contributing to weight, East West Systems can still provide an overall lighter outcome in comparison to other configurations.

Since a majority of commercial and industrial roofs were not built to withstand heavy loads, the east-west orientation could make projects feasible that otherwise wouldn’t be.

3. SELF CLEANING

The tilt design reduces the accumulation of water and debris on solar panels, which can ultimately cause damage and reduce energy output. The angle allows for rainwater and debris to easily slide off the panels. This helps to prevent the buildup of dirt, leaves, and other debris that can block sunlight and reduce panel efficiency. This can ultimately help to extend the lifespan of the panels and maximise energy output, making it an excellent choice for commercial solar installations.

4. REDUCES SHADING

The East-West design means panels are installed back-to-back reducing the risk of shading. When panels are installed with a gap between each panel, shading can occur as the sun moves across the sky and casts shadows between the panels. Instead, the back-to-back layout of the East-West system means that panels are positioned closer together, reducing the amount of space between panels and minimising the risk of shading and increasing efficiency.

Smarter, Stronger Solar Solutions

The Sunlock C-Channel is an innovative and practical dual solution for commercial solar projects.

The Sunlock C-Channel is not only the strongest commercial channel on the market, but it's the 2-in-1 solution to cable management.

Our unique Sunlock Channel design has in-built cable management, which keeps cables organised and tidy. With the ability to fit up to 16 pairs of 4mm cables. Cables are simply thread into the channel and along the span of the system.

The channel is designed to keep all cables in one place, preventing them from becoming tangled or damaged. Pair it with the Sunlock Channel lid and it becomes the ultimate, cost-effective cable management solution.

This not only improves the appearance of the solar installation but also ensures that the cables are protected from potential damage.

"We love it, it makes cable management a breeze, and reduces excessive use of other management products." Greenwood Solutions installer, Alex.

The channel is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, requiring no special tools to install. This makes it fast and easy for anyone to use, saving on labour costs and reducing the risk of damage to the roof or other components.

Like all Sunlock products, the C-Channel is extremely durable. It's made of aluminium, which is both lightweight and corrosion-resistant. This means that once the system is installed, it requires minimal maintenance and can withstand the test of time, even in harsh weather conditions.

Sunlock's C-Channel is an innovative and practical dual solution for solar installations. Its ability to keep cables organised, ease of installation, and durability, make it an ideal choice for commercial solar projects. If you're ready to improve the appearance and protect the cables, and meet deadlines of your next solar installation, look no further.

SUNLOCK & Gamcorp Webinar

On the 30th of October Sunlock partnered with Gamcorp to provide a Commercial Solar Update, discussing Commercial Solar Engineering and the impacts of the New Wind Code AS-NZS1170.2:2021.

Guest speakers Sanna Afshar, and Martin Gamble, from Gamcorp Structural Engineers, were joined by special guest Nigel Morris, a solar industry veteran and podcaster. Throughout the podcast, we covered why these changes are occurring, who they’ll effect, and how they’ll effect the future of commercial solar installations.

Click the link below to listen in.