City of Canterbury Bankstown has reached a significant milestone in its solar rebate program, supporting homeowners in the switch to renewable energy.
Since launching the CBCity Solar Rebate Program in September 2023, Council has assisted more than 100 residents install solar PV systems, with a total capacity of one Megawatt (or 1,000 Kilowatts).
For Regents Park local Lucas Maganja, switching to solar has helped him slash hundreds of dollars off his quarterly electricity bill.
Mr Maganja installed a six-kilowatt solar panel system in June last year and has already noticed the savings trickle in.
“Our electricity bill has been 30-40% cheaper compared to the same time last year,” Mr Maganja said.
“And thanks to the Council Solar Rebate program, we saved $500 off installation costs.
Mr Maganja said the rebate swayed him to install solar as it brought down the costs so they were within his family budget.
“You might be wary about the initial costs, but you do save in the long term.”
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said residents should investigate Council’s rebate scheme and the benefits of going solar.
“We’re supporting residents in the switch to solar with rebates for eligible locals,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“We want to make it easier and cheaper for our residents to make sustainable choices.”
The Council-funded initiative aims to increase rooftop solar on single-unit dwellings to 50 per cent by 2036.
Mayor El-Hayek added with all Council buildings now 100 per cent powered by the sun, Council is encouraging residents to consider choosing renewable solar energy for their homes.
The solar rebate program aligns with Council’s Draft Net Zero Pathway to reduce community emissions.
The NSW Government has launched a solar battery rebate as of November last year, as part of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS). Eligible homes and small businesses can access an upfront discount to installation costs through the program’s accredited suppliers.
To apply for Council’s solar rebate program and to see the eligibility criteria, visit cb.city/Solar500