Emanuel Synagogue goes solar

Published on 21 April 2022

Emanuel Synagogue goes solar

Emanuel Synagogue has installed rooftop solar panels with help from Council’s environmental grants program and Solar my Suburb program.

Solar my Suburb is a joint initiative from Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick councils helping clubs and community organisations save on energy bills with solar power.

The 34 kW solar power system installed on the Synagogue’s Millie Phillips building will mean 30 per cent of the Synagogue's electricity will come from solar, reducing energy costs by around $6000 each year.

The project was funded by The Emanuel Synagogue and a $2000 from Woollahra Council’s Community Environmental Grants.

“Congratulations to everyone at Emanuel Synagogue on going solar!” Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne said.

“We are proud to have played a part in making this happen with an environmental grant and valuable advice from the Solar my Suburb team. I hope more local organisations take advantage of this fantastic program. Going solar is a great way to save money and do something good for the environment at the same time,” Mayor Wynne said.

Senior Rabbi Kammins, Woollahra Mayor and Emanuel CEO
Mayor Susan Wynne, Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins and Emanuel Synagogue CEO Suzanna Helia outside the Synagogue's Millie Phillips building.

Emanuel Synagogue’s Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins said the new solar panels were part of the Synagogue's ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“We have been committed for many years to being an environmentally sustainable community and we are grateful for the advice and help of Solar My Suburb program along the way and the assistance of Council’s environmental grant,” Rabbi Kamins said.

“It is a bonus that our commitment to environmental protection for the generations to come also lowers our expenses,” he said. 

The Solar my Suburb program provides free expert solar assessment to help choose the right size solar power system, advice on funding and payment options and support in selecting a quality system from a trusted installer.

Other local projects supported through the program include Vaucluse Sailing Club, Lyne Park Tennis Club, with upcoming installation at the Wolper Jewish Hospital.

The similar Solar my School program has assisted locals schools such as Double Bay Primary School to install solar panels.

Double Bay Primary School rooftop solar panels

Double Bay Public School installed solar panels with help from the Solar my School program.

Would you like to see your community organisation or club go solar? Ask them to register for Solar my Suburb.