Solar my school

The City of Canterbury Bankstown has joined a network of 10 Sydney councils, to provide free support and guidance to local schools interested in installing solar panels.

Mayor Khal Asfour said the Solar My School program helps schools make the switch to solar energy, reducing local environmental impacts and cutting energy costs.

"Schools can not only use solar power to run computers, lighting, sports facilities and air conditioning, but also be a role model in educating students about clean energy.

"Through this program, we can help them every step of the way, making the process of installing solar panels as simple as possible."

Council can help schools by:

Providing a free expert solar assessment; Providing financial advice and assistance on securing grants or funding; Facilitating the installation of the system and provide technical assistance; and Supply curriculum-linked teaching materials.

"Fourteen Council buildings have solar panels installed, generating more than two per cent of Council’s energy and saving more than $90,000 a year on power bills," Mayor Asfour said.

"These savings are invested in more community projects.

"It’s part of our commitment to saving money on power bills and addressing climate change at a local level."

A further eight Council buildings will have solar systems installed by the end of the year:

Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre (79kW); Greenacre Citizens Centre (25kW); Carrington Centre (20kW); Campsie Baby Health Centre (18kW); Bankstown Memorial Oval (15kW); Earlwood Library and Knowledge Centre (11kW); Hurlstone Park Children Centre (9kW); and Canterbury Family Day Care (6kW).

To learn more about the Solar My School program, or Council’s solar initiatives, visit www.solarmyschool.org.au