Balgowlah North Public School has become the latest local school to benefit from its own solar production, with help from Council and the Solar my School initiative.

The ‘Solar my School’ program makes it easier for local schools to install solar and shrink their carbon footprint.

The program has helped install 143kW of solar across three schools on the Northern Beaches, with the largest array now installed at Balgowlah North Public School.

This new 69kW solar power system will reduce carbon emissions by 82 tonnes and save more than 50% on the school’s energy bill.

The system produces enough energy to power 16 homes or 463 computers and the carbon emissions saved is equivalent to taking 29 cars off the road every year!

Principal Brooke Keevers said the school was proud to champion solar power.

“Our little school is leading the way on the Northern Beaches, we are showing how we can all make a difference in supporting climate action and caring for our planet,” Ms Keevers said.

“My hope is that we will continue to see many more students and school communities across NSW showing their care and support for climate action. We can all make a difference each and every day.”

The Mayor attended a solar celebration assembly this week to congratulate the school and community, and was impressed by many students who said they also have solar at home.

The Solar my School program was jointly founded by Waverley, Woollahra and Randwick Councils, and is now partnered with other councils and organisations to support solar in schools across Sydney and beyond.

If you’re thinking of installing solar panels on your roof at home, head to Council’s Simplifying Solar webpage for more info.