New South Wales has officially reached a historic milestone, with over 1 million homes and businesses now powered by rooftop solar.
Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe has released data that reveals that regional NSW is leading the way in rooftop solar.
Regional areas claimed nine of the top 10 spots for solar installations.
The Barwon electorate in the state’s north-west tops the list, with 24,537 homes and businesses equipped with solar panels. It is closely followed by the Northern Rivers, with 22,743 systems in Ballina and 22,162 in Lismore, making these communities some of the most solar-powered in NSW.
The Minister for Energy noted:
“In the final quarter of last year, solar farms and rooftop solar provided 32% of our state’s electricity.
“Families and businesses are saving on their bills with solar, and the highest concentration is in the regions and Western Sydney.”
On average, a 4-person household with a 6.6kW system can save up to $1,400 per year.
Solar Installations in Lane Cove
According to 2021 Census data, the Lane Cove LGA is home to approximately 17,341 dwellings, including a mix of roughly 5,000+ free-standing houses and a high concentration of apartments (over 56% of residents live in strata). With around 4,877 local businesses, the potential for solar savings is significant.
The Minister for Energy’s data shows that the Lane Cove state electorate has 5,867 rooftop solar and battery installations.
Lane Cove Council has actively supported residents and businesses through its Sustainability Rebates Program, offering:
Houses: 25% up to $500
Units (lot): 25% up to $1,000
Units (common area): 25% up to $5,000
Business: 25% up to $1,000
The Sustainability & Electrification Rebates Program has proved so popular that it has been paused for FY25/26, as the available funding has been fully allocated.
Lane Cove Council’s website notes:
“Council is currently investigating the availability of additional funds for the program, however no guarantees can be made regarding its re-commencement this financial year. Applicants who have already received pre-approval for a rebate may proceed with their Final Claim Application.”
While the rebates are not being offered at the moment Lane Cove Council offers:
Ask an Expert This is a good first step for residents and small businesses wanting to look at solar – both for stand alone homes and unit complexes. They can sign up for a free 30 minute online consultation with an industry expert who will provide tailored advice to their specific needs and circumstances.
ZapCat program is another option, where residents and small businesses can receive instant online estimate for costs, savings and available rebates. They can then book a free virtual consultation with a ZapCat expert and even submit quotes for review to see if they are good value for money.
Not Just for Houses: Solar for Strata
Living in an apartment is no longer a barrier to renewable energy. Under the Greener Apartments Program, Lane Cove Council provides free assessments to help strata schemes install solar for common areas (elevators, lighting, and pumps).
Aurora Lane Cove is located opposite The Canopy. They commissioned 185 solar panels on their roof. The panels are expected to produce more than 132,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year.
The Aurora Committee also credits Lane Cove Council, as the Committee was successful in obtaining a grant through their Sustainability Rebates program. This helped with the overall costs of the system.
Alicia Lloyd, the Sustainability Coordinator—Community Programs, congratulated the Aurora Committee on its approach. “This project is a great example of how solar can benefit local apartment complexes. Council is happy to support such a great initiative and accelerate the uptake of renewable energy,” she said.
As mentioned above, the rebates are no longer available this year. The Greener Apartments program offers unit complexes the opportunity to have an industry specialist undertake energy and water efficiency assessments and provide a detailed report with costings for potential upgrades (including solar and EV charging).
Read more here.
Our Cover Photo is a Lane Cove house where Evolution Solar and Electrical (an ITC business supporter) installed solar.
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