A solar power system worth over $20,000 is up for grabs to individuals and families who sign up at www.earthhour.org.au to participate in Earth Hour 2010.
The 3 kilowatt solar power system, provided by Solar Shop Australia, is a great way for people to save money and reduce their environmental footprint.
"In 2010, Earth Hour is focused on the long-term changes we can make to benefit the environment," said WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne.
"The power of Earth Hour comes from millions of people taking small steps towards change together. This year, WWF is encouraging everyone to do one small thing beyond turning lights off for Earth Hour to reduce their impact.
"We’re thrilled to work with Solar Shop Australia and be able to offer people this prize – a practical way to reduce a householdâs impact on the planet."
According the figures from the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, the average NSW home uses 7,300 kWh of electricity a year – equal to eight tonnes of carbon pollution.
Solar Shop Australia’s Managing Director Mr Adrian Ferraretto said that solar power has a huge role to play in helping Australian homes improve their sustainability.
"Over the 25 year warranted life of this 3kW system, it will save 120.6 tonnes of carbon pollution. It’ll save water too, in fact 15 million litres that would otherwise be used for the production of electricity in coal-fired power stations.
"And in most states, you can sell electricity back to the grid for around two-and-a-half times what you pay for it. That not only covers an average quarterly $350 power bill comfortably, it could generate some very healthy credit in your account."
Hundreds of millions of people in over 100 countries are expected to take part in Earth Hour this year, combining to make one of the world’s largest statements on protecting the environment and promoting the need for sustainable lifestyles.
Entries for the competition will stay open until Earth Hour begins to roll across Australia on Saturday March 27th at 8.30pm AEST.
More information
Jonathon Larkin, Media Officer, WWF-Australia 0410 221 410, [email protected]
Rachael Hoy National Media Manager, WWF-Australia 0407 204 594, [email protected]
Notes
For Earth Hour information and to measure your environmental footprint, visit www.earthhour.org.au
About Solar Shop Australia
Solar Shop Australia is the leading provider of domestic and commercial solar power solutions in Australia. With more than 10 years experience in the industry, the company has installed tens of thousands of solar power systems which will abate more than a million tonnes of Co2 emissions from our atmosphere. Recently the company has made solar more accessible with Australia’s first solar specific finance package, Sunworks.