Community solar programs

Several alliances run solar PV programs that achieve broader community benefits when helping households  buy reliable solar systems. In Melbourne, the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) leads the Solar Savers program, installing 165 solar PV installations for low income households since 2019. The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) delivers the MASH program for households in central and northern Victoria. Started in 2014, MASH has installed over 5MW of solar PV on residential buildings and has donated over $200,000 worth of solar and batteries to community facilities. Councils can contact the Executive Officers at EAGA and CVGA for further information.

100% renewable electricity for Victorian councils

The alliances faciliated the forming of the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) - the largest renewable energy buyers group in Australia. Forty-six Victorian Councils have come together to purchase 100% renewable electricity through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The aggregated electricity purchase (240 GWhr) is nearly half of the electricity used by the Victorian council sector. This is equivalent to powering 48,000 homes with renewable energy. Darebin City Council leads the PPA contract that is expected to commence on 1 July 2021.

Charging the Regions

The Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance lead this project, for 43 regional and 11 metropolitan councils across Victoria. The study showed the benefits of electric vehicle travel in the regions and mapped the opportunities for charging infrastructure. In the next phase of the project the CVGA is rolling out a fast charging network across 20 sites over 12 councils in parts of regional Victoria.

How well are we adapting

​The Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action leads this program to help councils embed climate change adaptation across services, operations, and assets. A framework and tools assist councils to measure responses to climate change.  By collaboration councils develop adaptive capacity and skills. The program is open to new councils to join by subscription.