Solar panels will be installed on Central Coast courthouses next year as part of a new program aimed at making the state’s judicial buildings energy efficient.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the project will see photovoltaic solar panels installed on the rooftops of Gosford, Woy Woy and Wyong Courthouses.
“Central Coast courthouses are some of the first in NSW to be upgraded as part of this statewide solar-energy program and we are excited to see this important work get underway,” Mr Crouch said.
“The buildings will also be fitted with energy-saving LED lighting, along with motion sensors in non-court areas such as meeting rooms and bathrooms. Those lights will only switch on when activated, saving electricity.”
Attorney General Mark Speakman said Stage 1 of the courthouse solar program involves an overall investment of $1.8 million to install more than 3000 photovoltaic solar panels on 23 courthouses in Sydney and regional NSW.
“While the judicial process is taking place inside these buildings, solar panels on their rooftops will be hard at work as well, contributing to a cleaner environment and saving taxpayer money,” Mr Speakman said.
Treasurer and Minister for Environment and Energy Matt Kean said the projects will help propel the NSW Government toward its commitment to double NSW Government solar energy generation from 55,000 to 126,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) a year by 2024.
“Courthouses in Stage 1 will generate an estimated 2,311 MWh of electricity per year and reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 360 average residential households,” Mr Kean said.
The upgrades are taking place in the first half of 2022. Other courthouses will be assessed for inclusion in the solar program next financial year.