Shellharbour City Council has become the second regional Council in Australia to join the Solar my School program, a multi-award winning initiative helping schools explore and install solar power, to reduce energy bills, educate students and shrink their carbon footprint.

Solar my School was founded in 2017 by Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils in Sydney, and is now licensed to other councils and organisations to support schools to go solar.

The program aims to make it easy for schools by providing free independent expert advice and support from start to finish.

The Solar my School team works closely with participating schools to identify a suitably sized solar power system, help secure funding to pay for installation, and provide renewable energy education to students and staff.

There are 16 councils currently involved in Solar my School, with over 180 schools on the path to installing solar power.

Shellharbour City Council will pilot the program by supporting three local schools as part of the current round of the Small Environmental Projects Fund, excluding the cost of the system and installation.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said the program was an opportunity for schools to be a part of significant positive change in the lead up to the launch of Council’s Net Zero 2050 community emissions program in 2022.

“Schools often have unshaded large roof spaces, as well as high daytime power demands, making them ideal solar power sites,” Cr Saliba said.

“Solar my School is an innovative solution for reducing local environmental impacts and promoting the vital importance of a clean green energy future.

“It’s also a valuable learning tool for students on the benefits of renewable energy and climate change,” Cr Saliba said.

Expressions of interest close Friday 7 May 2021.

Public schools may register via the Solar my School website at www.solarmyschool.org.au.

For more information about Solar my School contact Council’s Environment Team at: sustainability@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008