Renewable energy

Solar and batteries

Harnessing energy from the sun allows you to generate your own clean electricity at home. Installing solar panels and a household battery will reduce your energy bills and eliminate the greenhouse gases associated with electricity from fossil fuels.

A home solar system will generally pay for itself within five years through energy bill savings.

How?

Use information here to choose the right provider and have them asses your electricity bill, roof and home switchboard to determine what size system is best. Running your electricity appliances like washing machine, dishwasher and hot water system through the day will maximise savings.

In most cases you can add solar panels to your home as exempt development, which means you don’t need Council's permission. See the NSW Planning Portal for details.

It’s important that you do your research and only use a licensed builder or electrician. Check the Department of Fair Trading’s website for a checklist of things you need to consider when getting solar panels installed.

Support

Switch to greenpower

If you can't install solar just yet, switching to a 100% renewable energy provider is a great interim measure. In fact, Wollongong City Council recently signed a 100% renewable energy contract with Red Energy.

How?

Use the Australian and NSW Government-backed GreenPower website to find a renewable electricity provider that meets stringent environmental standards. Search for 100% renewable energy providers in NSW.