Renewable energy is generated from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, geothermal and tides. The term ‘renewable’ means that is it naturally replenished on a human timescale from the Earth.
Generally speaking, renewable energy sources produce less greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional power supplies (e.g. energy sourced from brown coal) and can help to reduce energy bills, particularly for homeowners and businesses.
Council is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through solar power, clean energy and energy efficiency as part of meeting its science based 42% reduction in emissions target by 2030. In 2023 Council adopted its Climate Change Strategy 2023-2030 which sets out Council's priorities to progress toward this target and also preparing our community for the impacts of climate change.
Council has installed solar power on 72 of its buildings. Solar power systems on Council’s facilities range in size from 1kW (kilowatt) to 523kW.
At January 2024, Council had over 1.47 Megawatts of solar power installed on its buildings.
Installing solar power helps to:
- save money by supplying some or all of your daytime electricity use
- reduce pressure on the electricity grid, particularly in peak times such as heatwaves, reducing the risk of power outages
- reduce pollution and our reliance on coal.
With changes to feed in tariffs, installing solar isn’t going to make you money. Installing solar power is about saving money by producing the electricity that you would use during the day.
Before installing solar, you should first aim to reduce your energy usage to minimise the size and cost of the system that you need. Visit our Saving energy page for tips.
When you are ready to install solar, check-out the Environmental grants and rebates webpage to find information and links to the SunSPOT solar decision-making tool to explore the best solar PV solution for your home or business and a range of Victorian Government incentives such as rebates and no-interest loans for solar power installations, as well as battery storage and upfront discounts when purchasing energy efficient appliances through the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program.
The Clean Energy Council has a wide range of resources to help you make the switch to solar, including guides for households and businesses, a list of accredited installers, frequently asked questions and information on solar power and renewable energy technologies across Australia.
To get the best deal on your energy bills, compare electricity offers using the Victorian Government's Victorian Energy Compare Tool.
The Essential Services Commission no longer sets minimum feed-in tariffs, following an amendment to the Electricity Industry Act 2000.
From 1 July 2025, electricity retailers may set their own feed-in tariffs. However, these cannot be below zero ($0.00) cents per kWh.
The best way to make the most of your solar is by self-consuming the electricity they generate. During the day when your solar panels are producing, try to time running major appliances like the dishwasher, washing machine and hot water heat pump, rather than in the evening when your electricity will have to be bought from your electricity retailer.
Installing solar PV with battery storage not only reduces energy bills but also gives households greater energy independence. New rebates and incentives now make adding a battery more affordable, allowing you to store excess solar power for use at night, during peak demand, or in power outages—maximising the benefits of your solar system.
Visit the Solar feed-in tariff Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website for more information.
Interested in solar and battery but unsure where to start? Try checking out the SunSPOT solar decision-making tool on Council’s website. A free online tool that allows residents and businesses to find out how much solar and batteries could save them, what size solar system will fit on their roof, and explore battery options. Along with an expected price estimate
Visit the SunSPOT solar decision-making tool
Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre accepts rooftop solar panels for a fee. These are collected and sent to Sircel, in Dandenong South Victoria for recycling. FRRRC is open 8am-4pm, 7 days a week.
Visit Solar Victoria How to manage end-of-life solar PV, to find out more.
To find a battery recycler, visit the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative website.
To find out more about recycling solar panels and inverters contact Council. We understand that the solar panel recycling industry is in its infancy and we are currently looking at ways to support our community with this.
To find a battery recycler, visit the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative website.
Not everyone has the opportunity to invest in their own solar power system or wind turbine, but by signing up to buy GreenPower through your electricity retailer, you can increase the proportion of renewable energy, purchased on your behalf, that enters the supply network.
Contact your electricity provider or visit the GreenPower website for more information.
If you have shading from trees, look at positioning your solar panels where they get the least amount of shade, and preferably no afternoon shade. Remember the saying "move the path, not the tree" - the same goes for solar panels.
Trees offer a lot of value to the landscape and community, they can help to reduce your cooling bill in summer and combat the urban heat island effect. Solar panels should be positioned so as to not require pruning of the tree.
If you have concerns with your solar power installation, contact Consumer Affairs Victoria.
If you have an issue with your energy retailer, contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria.