Happy Solar Family: Paul of North Strathfield

27 January 2026

Since the home battery rebate started last July, Inner West Community Energy has facilitated more than $540,000 worth of batteries. One of the first to place his order was the boss of Concord Sport and Spine Physiotherapy, Paul Monaro.

Inner West Community Energy client Paul Monaro.

Paul has a large rooftop solar system on his North Strathfield home, but when he saw that the price of batteries was dropping dramatically, he jumped at the opportunity to store his solar energy for overnight use.

“I want to try and not be responsible for burning any coal, at all," Paul says. “That was my main motivation.”

His decision was on environmental not financial grounds because he may well sell his home before the battery pays for itself.

“I feel very strongly about going completely renewable, net zero,” Paul says. “I am very passionate about not only emissions but plastic waste. I am probably just as fanatical about trying to curb plastic waste - which is probably a problem that is already beyond us.

“Climate action is really accelerating now, most of the world is on board, at least the smart people are. Even China is very much on board with it. They’re going to be a bit behind us in terms of their ambitions to reach net zero but they’re smart enough to know the writing’s on the wall. Unlike some dumb individuals in certain other countries.”

When he heard about the new battery rebate, he contacted Ken Enderby at Climate Action Burwood Canada Bay and asked who could help. Ken said go to IWCE.

“A concern of mine was that it was another government stimulus package and there’d be a lot of shysters and cowboys out there,” Paul says. “People just taking advantage of the rebates and doing dodgy work.

“So it was good to get a recommendation on a reputable installer. I was very happy with Tillman [Electrical Services]. I think the system was good value for what I got.”

If you know any Inner Westie who needs a hand going solar, installing a battery, or going all electric, tell them to contact Inner West Community Energy.

And our next Solar Information Night will be at St Peters next Monday night, February 2, starting at 7pm. Register for free via Humanitix here.