FAQs

About the Project and solar cities:

  • What is Solar Cities about?

    The Australian Government's $94 million visionary Solar Cities initiative is helping to create a new energy future for Australian communities. Through "realworld" trials in key urban locations across Australia, governments, industry, businesses and residents are working together to change the way we think about and use our energy.

    Solar Cities is creating new partnerships to help people save energy; drive the use of Australia's leading-edge solar energy technologies; reward energy efficiency and solar power generation; and showcase to all Australians the economic and environmental benefits of wiser energy choices.

    Around Australia, governments, industry and communities are working together to secure Australia's energy future.

  • What is the Blacktown Solar City project all about?

    The Blacktown Solar City project is about giving residents and businesses in the Blacktown local government area the education and tools they need to use energy more wisely and reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.

    By employing solar power, smart meters, energy efficiency and new approaches to electricity pricing and financing, this project will provide cost effective energy solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Importantly, it will also provide valuable information that has the potential to help shape future energy markets and policy across different levels of government.

  • Why Blacktown City?

    The Blacktown City area was identified as being an ideal Solar City location because of its emerging energy issues, its representativeness of the future Australian community, the opportunity for real electricity infrastructure deferral, and the engagement of Blacktown City Council and Endeavour Energy.

    Blacktown City is an area whose population growth is fuelling energy demand and placing additional pressure on an already constrained network.

    This situation is not unique to Blacktown but reflects the energy challenges that many Australian cities are going to need to tackle.

    Adopting technologies like solar PV can reduce the risk of blackouts and help offset the need for costly investment in electricity infrastructure.

  • Where is Blacktown City?

    Blacktown City is a local government area in western Sydney, 35km west of the Sydney CBD. It is home to over 280,000 making it the most populous local government area in NSW and the third largest in Australia.

  • Is it compulsory to participate?

    Not at all. All participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged!

  • When does the project finish?

    The Blacktown Solar City project is due to finish June 30 2013.

  • Who can participate?

    The project includes packages and measures which ensure it is accessible to all segments of the community. Products and services offered by the consortium range broadly in price, with a number being free. As well, the consortium will be offering the entire project area with energy saving education which will provide all residents, businesses and community organisations with the information they need to make real energy savings.

    Any resident or business in the Blacktown local government area (LGA) can participate.

    The Blacktown City LGA comprises the following 47 suburbs: Acacia Gardens, Arndell Park, Bidwill, Blackett, Blacktown, Colebee, Dean Park, Dharruk, Doonside, Eastern Creek, Emerton, Glendenning, Glenwood, Hassall Grove, Hebersham, Huntingwood, Kellyville Ridge, Kings Langley, Kings Park, Lalor Park, Lethbridge Park, Marayong, Marsden Park, Minchinbury, Mount Druitt, Oakhurst, Parklea, Plumpton, Prospect (part), Quakers Hill, Riverstone, Ropes Crossing, Rooty Hill, Rouse Hill (part), Schofields, Seven Hills, Shalvey, Shanes Park, St Marys (Part), Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Toongabbie (part), Tregear, Vineyard (part), Whalan, Willmot and Woodcroft.

  • What offers are still available?

    Due to high demand and limited number of PV systems available, most of the Blacktown Solar City offers have now been fully allocated. No further offers will be made available. The project is now transitioning into the data collection and reporting phase.

  • Will the project be accessible to any citizens outside the project area?

    The project is focussed on the Blacktown City LGA, however, it has been designed for easy replication and roll-out beyond the project area if it proves successful.

  • As a resident of Blacktown, why should I care?

    Blacktown Solar City represents an opportunity for the whole community to come together and lead the country and the world as an example of a sustainable energy future.

    This is a chance to reduce your impact on the environment, giving your children and future generations a cleaner, healthier future.

    All residents will have the opportunity to make a difference.

  • Where can people find out more about the project?

    You can find out more about Blacktown Solar City by calling 1800 619 322.

  • Are there any terms and conditions on participation in the project?

    Yes. Specific terms conditions apply to each Solar City offering. To take advantage of the many special offers in this project you need to agree to fill out a survey on your energy behaviours and then allow the project consortium to monitor your energy consumption for the project period (2007-2013). This ongoing monitoring of your energy consumption is done automatically via an advanced meter and will not impact your day-to-day life. You may also be invited to complete follow-up surveys later in the project to help us assess your experiences with the program. Some offers are restricted to certain areas within the Blacktown LGA and all offers are limited and may be withdrawn without notice.

  • What happens to the data collected through the project?

    The data collected throughout the project will be provided to the Australian Government to aid future policy development. It will also help identify key areas on improving the efficiency of our energy network system from various trials such as Seasonal time of use and Demand side management trials. There will be no identifying or personal data to be submitted to the Australian Government.

  • Will there be other PV Solar Home Offers available in 2011?

    Due to high demand, Blacktown Solar City is close to allocating all subsidised PV systems. Once all allocations have been made, no further government funding will be available for additional PV systems through the Blacktown Solar City Project.

  • What is your privacy policy? Will my personal information be secure if I sign up and participate?

    Our privacy policy is listed here on our website.