For Father Peter Smith, the choice of adding solar panels to his presbytery roof in inner-Sydney's Leichhardt wasn't just about cost savings but also protecting the environment.

His 7.2-kilowatt system should repay the $8000 cost in five years but, more importantly, help him promote the "Caring for Creation through Solar" project aimed at bringing renewable energy to more parishioners in the Sydney Catholic Archdiocese.

"If I'm going to advertise, I'd better be first," Father Smith said. "We're looking at the climate issue and just caring for Creation."

Father Peter Smith of St Columba's Catholic Parish in Sydney's Leichhardt is leading the way on solar, as the renewable energy surge gathers momentum nationally. Credit:James Brickwood

The renewables message is catching on, with the latest annual report by the Clean Energy Council revealing "a record year for records", according the industry group's chief executive, Kane Thornton.