With those words, Shoalhaven City mayor, Paul Green, threw down the gauntlet before officially flicking the switch on Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club’s newly installed solar array.

Citing the huge potential for “green jobs and green energy,” Cr Green told the assembled crowd of lifesavers, solar industry insiders and environment groups that Mollymook Surf Lifesaving Club was “leading the way with the city”.

The solar power system comprises 12 photovoltaic panels on the roof of the club house with the potential to generate 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year, off-setting the club’s power bill and paying it a dividend of 60 cents a kilowatt for any excess produced.

“However the most important aspect of this initiative is educational,” said Dave Herring of environmental awareness group Footprint.

“It is so important for the public to see such iconic institutions as the surf club involved in the solar revolution.”

Allan Barker of Barker Electrical, who provided the solar system at a discounted price, agreed.

“It makes the public more aware of the capacity of solar power to help reduce the amount of harmful green house gas emissions entering the atmosphere.

“This is about the need to preserve the earth.”

Footprint partnered with Shoalhaven City Council, Milton Ulladulla Community Bank and Department of Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts to provide the necessary funding for the initiative.

Under the same scheme, three other local public buildings are also in line to have a similar solar system installed this financial year.

Surf club president, Geoff Starkey, said the club would not be stopping at solar, with more surf club renovations on the drawing board.

“Having this system on the surf club will prove to people that solar energy can power Australia, said Cr Amanda Findley.

“And at 60 cents a kilowatt, why wouldn’t you go solar?”