Solar panel on a roof
Monday, 14 July 2025

It’s unusual to find a street across the Northern Beaches without solar panels on at least one property, as local uptake for renewables increases. 

To date over 22,000 of you have installed solar roof panels, putting the community well on track to achieving Council’s solar targets of 50% of Northern Beaches’ homes by 2030.

With energy bills rising and solar and batteries more affordable than ever, there’s never been a better time to make the switch. Being curious about improving your energy efficiency and reducing bills at home or workplace is one thing, but deep diving into the technology and logistics of making changes is another. 

If this sounds like you and you’re not sure where to start or who to trust, 3 free Council services aim to give you clarity and impartial information:

  1. Solar Conversations are an opportunity to chat with Council’s sustainability  to chat with Council’s sustainability team via phone or video.  Staff can discuss general information about the benefits of solar and help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. 
  2. For those preferring a face to face discussion, Solar and Energy Roadshow offer free drop-ins for residents seeking information about all things solar, batteries, EVs, hot water systems and home electrification.   Recent sessions at Warringah Mall and Mona Vale have seen a stream of residents motivated by recent Australian Government announcements on solar and battery rebates.
  3. For more in-depth or complex questions – such as solar for apartments  - you can book an online session with the Energy and Solar Expert Advisory Service. An energy professional will discuss all your questions about making the switch, energy saving tips, roof capacity and more, even help with advice on how to seek or analyse like-for-like quotes.

With solar and battery technology becoming more accessible and affordable through increased competition and the government incentives, it’s a great time to explore making the switch.  And with these free and impartial services available, you can be more confident with your decision making. 

The next Solar and Energy Roadshows are at Manly Library on Thursday 24 July, Tramshed, Narrabeen on Tuesday 12 August and Glen Street Library, Belrose on Wednesday 24 September. No bookings are required.