Council helping get solar on schools

Council is trialling a program known as ‘Solar my School’ which makes it easier for local schools to install solar and shrink their carbon footprint.

In the initial roll out of the program Northern Beaches’ schools were invited to register their interest to fill one of three spots available as part of the trial.

Stella Maris College, Manly is the first local school to have panels installed through the program, with plans in the pipeline for both Balgowlah North Public School and Fisher Road School at Dee Why.

A 49kW system, with a total of 109 panels, has been installed on the roof of Stella Maris College’s Star of the Sea Theatre. It is the equivalent of powering 11 Australian homes; taking 19 cars off the road; or the energy used in over 307 school computers!

Director of Business Services at Stella Maris College, Zita Briones said the ‘Solar my School’ program was instrumental in helping us.

“From undertaking a feasibility assessment, providing recommendations on the most suitable installation for our needs, assisting with the grant application and helping with the tender process.”

“They have helped us realise an efficient and effective project from start to finish,” added Ms Briones.

The Council run ‘Solar my School’ Program was originally developed by Waverley, Randwick and Woollahra Councils in 2016 and is now available to other Councils.

The trial of the program will support Council’s community renewable energy and emission reduction commitments in our adopted Environment & Climate Change Strategy.