Go Solar - exclusive discounts on reliable solar systems

The Eastern Suburbs embraces solar…

According to Energy Australia figures, over 650 Eastern Suburbs households have made the switch to solar power and a further 570 have submitted applications to switch as at December 2010. Congratulations to those GO SOLAR participants who are already reaping the rewards of their solar systems.

SOLAR POWER…the latest news

Contact our GO SOLAR preferred supplier, Green Solar Group, on 1300 88 22 71 or your solar supplier to discuss the latest news and your options.

SOLAR HOT WATER…still a great way to save on your energy bills

With a solar hot water system, you could get between 50 and 90 per cent of your hot water for free. Contact a Licensed plumber who specialises in solar hot water systems or visit Green Plumbers to find one in your area.

What is the difference?

Solar power (photovoltaic) systems use light from the sun to create electricity that is then used to power the lights and appliances in your home or may be fed as excess electricity back into the grid. Solar hot water systems do not generate electricity, but use heat from the sun to heat water. You can choose to have either or both solar power and solar hot water systems on your property.

Need inspiration…visit our sustainability demonstration house 

Drop into our sustainable demonstration house to see a solar power system and other sustainability features such as LED lights and solar dome for natural lighting in action. More...

Open Days | 1st Thursday of the month | 9:30am to 12:30pm | 6 Barrett Place | Randwick

Why use the GO SOLAR preferred supplier?

Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils have been working with our solar power preferred supplier, Green Solar Group, since July 2010 to make it easier and cheaper for residents and businesses to buy good quality solar power from a reliable service provider at discounted prices. Our preferred supplier, Green Solar Group, will also assist you to access all available government incentives and credits.

The preferred supplier was selected via an Expression of Interest process. Submissions were assessed across a range of criteria including price, the quality of the product, service and workmanship, length of warranty, demonstrated experience, occupational health and safety and environmental performance. Of the submissions received, the selected company was strongest across this broad range of criteria.

What government rebates and credits are available for residents?*

Solar Power: Australian Government Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs/STCs); and, Australian Government Solar Credits.

RECs for residential scale solar power systems and solar hot water systems installed after 1 January 2011 will be classified as small-scale technology certificates (STCs). The price of STCs are fixed at $40 if traded through the Office of Renewable Energy Regulator’s Clearing House. More...

Solar Hot Water: NSW Government Home Saver Rebate; Australian Government Renewable Energy Bonus Rebate; and, Australian Government Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs/STCs).

Eligibility conditions apply. Ask your solar service provider which incentives and credits your solar system will be eligible for. More...

How much is the discount?

Solar systems have become more affordable and our preferred suppliers are providing special GO SOLAR discounts on retail prices for their solar power systems. Prices vary according to system capacity, number of levels of the property, roof type and eligibility for rebates.

Contact our preferred suppliers for more information on the GO SOLAR discounted prices. Note prices are for a standard installation only and vary according to site characteristics such as roof type, number of storeys, location of system, etc. A formal quotation will be issued following a site assessment.

Do I need Council approval to install a solar power or solar hot water systems?

Most solar systems do not require Council approval. To find out if your solar system requires Council approval refer to the recently updated NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 or contact your local Council:

For more information on Randwick City Council planning controls visit www.randwick.nsw.gov.au or Randwick Council Customer Service Centre, 30 Frances St, Randwick. Open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or by phone 1300 722 542.

For more information on Waverley Council planning controls visit www.waverley.nsw.gov.au or Waverley Council Duty Planner is available for any planning/DA enquiries in person at Waverley Council Customer Service Centre, 55 Spring St, Bondi Junction. Open 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday or by phone 8305 8484. Alternatively call 9369 8000 for free heritage related advice.

For more information on Woollahra Municipal Council planning controls visit www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au or Woollahra Municipal Council Customer Service Centre, 536 New South Head Road, Double Bay. Open 8.00am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or by phone 9391 7000.

Solar on heritage properties

Heritage items or properties in heritage conservation areas can have solar in some circumstances. Check out the system on Bondi Pavilion as an example - solar systems have also been approved on heritage properties in Bondi Junction, Coogee and Paddington.

Solar on apartments

Solar power systems can be installed on apartment buildings or townhouses to either reduce common area energy bills or for the benefit of an individual property.  

Solar hot water systems can be installed on apartments but consideration needs to be given to the location of plumbing and whether it will supply individual apartments or a communal hot water system.

Check out our GO SOLAR Apartments and Townhouses Frequently Asked Question Factsheets in the downloads section at the bottom of the page. We've collated info on what to consider when installing solar power and solar hot water on apartments and townhouses as well as owners corporation approvals and even have an example by-law.

Solar on businesses

Solar power is a smart investment for businesses who are charged for electricity use at peak rates - saving on power bills and helping the environment. Check out the massive solar system on Bondi Road fish shop, The One That Got Away.

Where can I find more information?

Living Greener (Government rebates and credits)

Your Home Technical Factsheets (types of solar photovoltaic power and solar hot water systems)

Clean Energy Council solar power consumers guide

Solar success story - Clovelly townhouse

For Solar Power enquiries contact Green Solar Group on 1300 88 22 71

For GO SOLAR project enquiries, please contact gosolar@randwick.nsw.gov.au or 02 9664 7202.