NSW Council Considering Compulsory Solar Panels

Rooftop solar power systems could become a requirement on all new buildings and dwellings in the Shellharbour City local government area.

Shellharbour City LGA is situated in New South Wales’ Illawarra Region, about 100 kilometres south of Sydney’s CBD. Covering an area of around 147 square kilometres, it’s home to a population of approximately 74,000 people.

In December 2020, Shellharbour City Council committed to set net zero emissions targets for 2050 for both operational and community emissions within the City. Prior to this, Council joined the Cities Power Partnership in 2018. Among its CPP pledges is the installation of solar power system on Council buildings.

Last year, it became the second regional Council in Australia to join the Solar my School program, an initiative that makes it easier for schools to go solar by providing free independent expert advice and support from start to finish.

At last night’s Council meeting, a motion was tabled by Cr Robert Petreski and Cr Maree Edwards seeking to engage Council officers in undertaking an investigation and to prepare a report on the potential requirement for solar panels on new builds, including cost impacts compared to the long-term energy cost savings and projected city- wide carbon emissions reduction figures.

The Councillors said the requirement would further reduce the LGA’s carbon footprint and aid in its net zero target and Cities Power Partnership pledges.

The Illawarra Mercury reports councillors unanimously passed the motion calling for the report.

Back in 2018, a report from the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and ClimateWorks Australia recommended solar panels or other renewables be compulsory for new homes built in Australia, stating this would help slash energy bills, network investment and emissions.

Is Council Leading By Example?

Australian local governments have done a lot of heavy lifting in promoting solar energy uptake within their respective communities through providing information, but also through leading by example with their own PV installations.

As for how Shellharbour Council stacks up, it mentions last year it completed solar panel installations at a number of facilities, including:

• Myimbarr Sports Centre
• Shellharbour Links Golf Club
• Shellharbour Tourist Park
• Warilla Library
• Shellharbour City Stadium
• Alunga Childcare Centre
• Wallaroo Childcare Centre

Total capacity wasn’t noted, but combined the systems are expected to save more than $50,000 in annual energy costs and provide a carbon reduction of 209 tonnes per year.

Solar Energy In Shellharbour

The Australian Photovoltaic Institute (APVI) indicates that as at the end of last year, there had been approximately 8,288 installations in the Shellharbour LGA, with around 28% of compatible dwellings having solar systems installed. The vast majority of installations have been under 10kW capacity (7,734).

According to SQ’s solar calculator (using the default settings), simple payback on a 6.6kW system in the Shellharbour area can be achieved in around 5 years.

The largest installations in the Shellharbour region are noted by APVI as Warilla Bowls & Recreation Club (314kW), Shellharbour Square (1.2MW) and Shell Cove Shopping Centre (314kW).

Learn more about solar panels in Shellharbour.

Original Source: https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/shellharbour-compulsory-solar-mb2367/