MURWILLUMBAH Golf Club is installing a $100,000 solar system that is expected to slash up to $30,000 annually from its $100,000 power bill.

The installation of the three-stage green energy program started last month and is due to be operational within two to three weeks.

Club finance director Wayne Kendrigan believes they are the first sporting club in the region to go solar.

The 80kw system being installed by Tweed Heads company Infinity Group comprises 320 solar panels sized at 1m x 1.68m on the golf club and shop roof, covering an area roughly the size of two tennis courts. Mr Kendrigan said the idea had been on the table for a couple of years but had been delayed by board member changes until he decided to drive the project.

He said the nine- member board embraced the idea once they were told that it was likely to save the club between $25,000 to $30,000 a year on their electricity bill.

"Once they understood it was an investment it wasn't hard to sell," he said.

"Anything that gives you a return of 25% is a good investment.

"It pays for itself in about four years and every year after that is genuine savings.

"And we anticipate the life of the unit will be about 20 to 25 years so we're effectively getting 20 years of free electricity."

The club will be placing updates about the progress of the solar system and resulting savings on the public noticeboard as an educational exercise.

"If they can see someone like us doing it hopefully they can investigate whether it's in their own personal interests as well," Mr Kendrigan said.