Central Coast Council are set to save around $220,000 each year on energy expenses following the installation of an additional 1.2MW of solar power on Council buildings.

Council are in the process of installing 3,500 rooftop solar panels on 28 Council owned buildings with works due for completion by the end of 2020.

This project will see energy consumption reduced by approximately 1.4GWh annually and reduce Council's carbon footprint by 1,100 tonnes of CO2-e per annum. This is equivalent to the electricity used by 230 local homes.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said this project delivers both environmental and financial benefits.

“It is rewarding to see a project underway which not only reduces Council expenses but also incorporates renewable energy for the conservation, protection and remediation of our environment,” Mayor Matthews said.

This project has been co-funded with money collected at Woy Woy Tip under the repealed Federal Government ‘carbon tax’ which was applied to gate fees from 2012-2014.