As the weather heats up across New South Wales, it's a great time to start thinking of ways we can each contribute to a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. This summer, City of Canada Bay Council and Libraries have teamed up to provide information on switching to solar, and some of the savings and benefits you can experience from renewable energy.

In November 2019, the City of Canada Bay installed 60kw of solar panels on Concord Library, in an effort to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability of Council's facilities. In the first year alone, this small change saved Council $22,000 in electricity bills, and the library has since introduced other energy efficiency technologies, including lighting upgrades and efficient air-conditioning systems.

Council is working hard towards our goal of net zero emissions by 2030. We are also supporting the community to be more energy efficient with a special Solar Discount Offer.

For a limited time (November 2021 to January 2022) City of Canada Bay residents will be able to save $500 off the RRP to purchase solar panels. This special incentive discount offer by City of Canada Bay Council is available through the Australian Energy Foundation.

To find out more about this great offer and to sign up please click here.

When the Richardsons built a second storey on their home in Concord, the first thing that came to mind was offsetting the extra energy use by installing solar.

“Our electricity bills jumped after doubling the floor space but also with the increase in electricity prices,” says Anna, who admits that initially researching solar was like navigating a minefield of combinations, types and quality of solar panels.

With support from the Australian Energy Foundation (AEF), who have partnered with Council to help residents navigate the challenges of choosing the right solar system, Anna was able to find a trusted solar supplier and was guided through the process of getting a quote.

The Richardsons installed a 5.51kW solar system and noticed a dramatic change in their energy bill.

“We were able to reduce the bill by around 80 per cent,” she says. This has been especially beneficial while the family has been at home more during lockdown. “We’re so happy we had solar because our energy use has likely doubled, and we would be paying significantly more without it.”

For the Richardsons, the benefits of solar go beyond savings potential.

“Solar energy is free, clean, and in a country like Australia, it’s a no-brainer as the preferred option for household energy.”

To learn more about the Council-endorsed discounted solar rates, and to connect with a fully vetted supplier for an obligation-free quote, visit aef.com.au or call 1300 23 68 55.

Keen to read more about solar power and other forms of renewable energy? City of Canada Bay Libraries' eResources are a fantastic place to start. To access the below, make sure you're a library member by signing up here.