June 9, 2023Posted in: Other
Thinking about switching to solar energy for your home or business? SunSPOT is an easy and convenient way to explore your options and potential savings and we invite you to learn about how by joining a free webinar on June 13th, put together by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in partnership with the Australian PV Institute (APVI).
Wingecarribee Shire Council has collaborated with WinZero to put the cutting-edge SunSPOT solar and battery calculator tool at the fingertips of local residents. In a matter of minutes, you can access personalised information about the benefits and savings you stand to gain by going solar.
Whether you’re a homeowner needing to stretch your household budget, a local business owner looking to take control of your energy bills, or you’re simply passionate about harnessing the power of renewable energy, this 1-hour, 15 min session is for you.
Take the opportunity to be part of this interactive webinar which will guide you through a practical demonstration of the features of SunSPOT. Learn how to navigate the calculator function and input your specific information to obtain a precise estimate of the potential solar savings you stand to make. Explore the many benefits of installing solar panels and the viability of a battery system to meet your energy needs.
The session is led by esteemed researchers from UNSW who will share their expert tips to enhance your understanding of solar energy.
“Council has worked closely with WinZero to make this valuable, free service available to our community, in line with our commitment to sustainability and renewable energy solutions for the future of our Shire,” says Derek White, Secretary of WinZero
Don’t miss this opportunity to make an informed start to exploring the advantages of solar energy for your situation. Book now: Sunspot Webinar
If you’d like further insights or assistance, the dedicated team at Wingecarribee Shire Council is available to support individuals on their journey toward a sustainable and cost-effective energy future. Email us at sustainabilityservices@wsc.nsw.gov.au.
January 19, 2023Posted in: Corporate Affairs, Environment, News
Thinking about solar for your home but don’t know where to start?
We’ve simplified the fact-finding for you with free access to the SunSPOT solar calculator, now at your fingertips.
With the cost of living rising, how much could your household save with solar?
What size solar system would suit your needs? And how can you be sure to get the best deal?
Get the answers to all of these questions and more, in minutes, using SunSPOT, a not-for-profit resource built by the UNSW to help people understand the possibilities and benefits of solar.
You can quickly gain an accurate estimate of the size of solar system suited to your needs, the estimated cost involved, and how much you could save in a year, based on your current energy usage. The system is private to use, and your data will not be shared with third parties, so rest assured, you won’t be opening yourself up to solar sales calls by using it.
“Solar is still a relatively unknown space for many of our residents and researching it can be very technical but we’ve made it easy to understand your options and ensure you get a fair price from a reputable supplier.” Says Cecilia Kemp from Council’s Sustainability Us team.
We’ve subscribed to SunSPOT so that every local property has the benefit of being on the system, which works by gathering data including aerial images to build an accurate picture of the elevation and slope of your roof. You can do your own assessment, online, at your convenience and at no cost.
Try it for yourself now: sunspot.org.au Watch the video on how to use it at sunspot.org.au/help-using-sunspot.
November 9, 2021Posted in: Environment, Roads and Assets
A new solar photovoltaic system installed atop Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Moss Vale Civic Centre is now operational.
The 100-kilowatt system is expected to generate 142-megawatt hours of clean, renewable electricity per year.
Council’s Director Communities and Place, Mr Geoff King, said that this latest install has both environmental and financial benefits.
“The electricity generated will be used to power roughly 44 per cent of the total electricity needs of the Civic Centre,” he said. “Any surplus electricity will be exported to the power grid when the facility is closed.”
Mr King said solar photovoltaic systems had been added to Bowral Library, the Mittagong Rural Fire Service Building, Moss Vale Depot, Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre, the Resource Recovery Centre, Robertson Sewage Treatment Plant, the Southern Regional Livestock Exchange and the Southern Highlands Welcome Centre in recent years.
“In total we now have approximately 377 kilowatts in renewable energy installed on Council facilities,” he said
Funded by the Revolving Energy Fund (REFund), this latest system is anticipated to achieve full payback within three years based on previous electricity use.
“Together with our Highlands community we’re seeing our Shire make great progress on renewable energy,” said Mr King.
“Twenty-five per cent of residential households now have solar power installed on their homes,” he said.
Mr King reminded local schools of Council assistance available to install rooftop solar systems.
“Through the award-winning Solar my School program, schools across our Shire can get support and advice on installing their own onsite solar systems which will help save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and educate the next generation on the importance of renewable energy.”
To learn more about Council’s Sustainability Services, visit wsc.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Sustainable-Wingecarribee or call 4868 0888.
March 26, 2019Posted in: Environment, Events
Wingecarribee Shire Council is gearing up to tackle two unique records as it prepares to celebrate Earth Hour on Saturday 30 March in conjunction with the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.
Michael Rhydderch from Council’s Environment and Sustainability team explained how locals could join in the fun.
“Every year millions of people across the globe come together to join in Earth Hour festivities to show that they care about our planet,” he said.
“This year we thought we’d use the event to highlight the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable future by staging two record attempts,” he said.
The first is the Guinness World Record attempt for the largest display of solar lanterns.
“The team from the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens will lay out 1,200 solar lanterns in the shape of a giant footprint which will then be photographed from the air,” Michael said.
The second record attempt however requires greater community input.
“We need as many people as possible to come along on the night and bring their own solar lantern to make another giant footprint,” Michael said. “However this footprint will be created by people power!”
“Attendees needn’t worry if they don’t have their own solar lantern as we’ll provide one free of charge at the venue that they can take home with them at the end of the night.”
Earth Hour is a worldwide environmental movement held annually whereby individuals, businesses and communities are encouraged to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour in late March. This year hundreds of millions of people across more than 7,000 cities in over 180 countries are expected to take part in the celebrations.
“This free event is a celebration of renewable power and demonstrates how it can make a significant difference to the health of our environment,” Mr Rhydderch said.
In addition to the world record attempt the evening will also feature live music, a children’s lantern making workshop, the University of Wollongong’s futuristic sustainable home, displays from local renewable energy providers and a discussion led by guest speaker Greg Mullins, Councillor for the Climate Council and former NSW Fire & Rescue Commissioner.
Refreshments will also be available but guests are free to bring a picnic and enjoy the festivities in the Gardens.
To assist in coordination for the evening’s festivities, participants are asked to register online at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/earthhour. Bookings for the Children’s Lantern Making Workshops are essential and can also be booked via the website.
The Shire’s Earth Hour celebrations will be held from 5.15pm on Saturday 30 March 2019 at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens, located on the corner of Kangaloon and Old South Roads, Bowral.
For more information, including registration details, visit Council’s website at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/earthhour.
April 24, 2017Posted in:
Wingecarribee Shire Council wishes to advise that installation of a 344 panel solar power system will commence at Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre from Thursday 27 April 2017.
The Centre will remain open to visitors throughout the installation work.
Patrons may experience some inconvenience in the car park and surrounds as panels are delivered and intermittent noise as installers work on the roof of the building.
Council apologises for any inconvenience and thanks patrons in advance for their cooperation.
The project is scheduled to be completed within two weeks. All timeframes are subject to weather conditions.
Moss Vale War Memorial Aquatic Centre is located at 8 Kirkham Street in Moss Vale.
For further information contact Therese Smart Council’s Environment and Health Systems Coordinator on 4868 0748.
