Nectr to power Panthers' Penrith hotel & venue with solar

Nectr has signed an agreement with The Panthers Group to install solar at Pullman Penrith and the Western Sydney Convention Centre, expanding an existing relationship between the energy provider and the NRL club's broader organisation.

Delivered through Nectr Solar and Battery, the project covers two major hospitality and events venues in Penrith. The 172kW system is expected to generate about 236MWh of renewable electricity each year once operational.

The parties have not disclosed the contract value, and no installation timetable or commissioning date has been announced.

They expect the solar output to reduce electricity costs by around AUD $72,000 a year and offset about 130 tonnes of carbon annually. Based on those projections, the stated payback period is less than three years.

The Panthers Group selected Nectr Solar and Battery through a competitive tender process. The venues add to the club's wider set of energy-related partnerships alongside its sporting programmes and community operations.

Growing pipeline

Nectr already has a solar installation at the Penrith Panthers Rugby League Academy. That system is delivering about AUD $20,000 in annual energy savings, based on figures provided by Nectr.

The relationship also includes commercial sponsorship. For the 2026 NRL season, Nectr has secured naming rights to the Penrith Panthers Rugby League Academy.

The new agreement also points to potential work across other Panthers sites. Nectr's Andrew Latimer referenced additional venues when discussing the deal, but did not confirm locations.

Penrith has been a focus for large-scale development in Western Sydney in recent years. The Pullman Hotel and Western Sydney Convention Centre are designed to serve business events and leisure travellers, with energy use driven by accommodation services, event operations, heating and cooling loads, and common-area requirements.

On-site solar at such venues can reduce grid electricity use during daylight hours. Savings depend on tariffs, operating patterns, and how much solar generation is consumed on site rather than exported to the grid.

Commercial claims

Nectr described the project as an example of businesses balancing environmental and financial outcomes.

"Projects like this show how solar can deliver immediate cost savings while supporting long-term sustainability goals. We're proud to be chosen as the solar partner for The Panthers Group. We're excited to help power their operations with clean, reliable energy for better business outcomes."

The statement was attributed to Hayden Barry, interim managing director at Nectr Solar and Battery.

Latimer, business development manager at Nectr Solar and Battery, highlighted the expected payback period and the prospect of further work.

"With an estimated payback period of around three years, we're excited to be supporting the Panthers move to more sustainable and cost effective energy solutions for this business. We look forward to working in partnership with The Panthers Group to roll out further solar installations across other Panthers venues in the future," Latimer said.

The Panthers Group said the investment aligns with its sustainability objectives and emphasised its broader relationship with Nectr.

"We value the strong working relationship we've built and the ongoing partnership between the two organisations," said Andrew Hill, CEO of The Panthers Group.

"It's a partnership that delivers positive outcomes for both parties, and we look forward to continuing to work together," Hill said.

Market context

Commercial solar uptake in Australia has grown as power prices and demand charges have risen, and as businesses face internal emissions targets. Hospitality and events venues can be challenging sites because demand often peaks in the late afternoon and evening, while solar output falls. Operators can still gain value where daytime loads remain high or tariff structures reward peak reduction and self-consumption.

Nectr operates as an Australian energy brand under Hanwha Energy Australia, selling electricity plans as well as solar and battery systems. Through Nectr Solar and Battery, it says it has installed systems for more than 40,000 homes and businesses nationwide.

Nectr also promotes member benefits linked to the Panthers relationship. Penrith Panthers members can receive AUD $500 off the total solar and battery installation cost when choosing Nectr Solar and Battery, according to details released with the agreement.