Bid to raise low uptake in suburbs
INNER West Council is hoping to dramatically increase the number of properties using solar power.
Despite having a population committed to environmental sustainability, the Inner West has one of the lowest uptakes of solar on private properties.
Through an Expression of Interest, the council is inviting experienced organisations to design a system that will dramatically increase uptake of solar energy on residential, commercial, industrial and community properties.
Mayor Byrne says the plan is to establish the council as a broker to facilitate the large-scale installation of solar on buildings and homes across the Inner West.
“There are thousands of rooftops, large and small, that should be generating renewable energy and making a return for property owners,” he said.
“We are aiming for a 1000 per cent increase in solar generation across the Inner West over the next decade. We can achieve this enormous growth by covering every factory, apartment block and shopping centre in solar panels.”
Mayor Byrne said the high number of renters, strata units and low day-time household consumption were some of the reasons why the current uptake of solar is low in the community.
“But I also know how committed locals are to renewable energy and I want to hear from the best and brightest how we can address these obstacles,” he said
“With the council acting as the broker, we intend to attract capital from superannuation, banks, and other investors. In doing so we can create a profit for property owners and investors while massively reducing carbon emissions.”
For tender information, visit innerwest.nsw.gov.au.