Solar panels
Solar power is a clean and renewable alternative source of energy.
In Victoria over 90% of the electricity we use comes from brown coal, one of the major contributors to greenhouse pollution in Victoria. Households, businesses and organisations can choose to get their electricity from a renewable energy source by either installing their own micro generation such as solar panels, or by purchasing GreenPower from an electricity supplier.
Installing solar PV
Government rebates as well as new changes to the Victorian feed-in tariff are now making it more affordable to install solar panels in your own home or business. Solar panels will reduce your household emissions and your electricity costs.
Here's what to do if you want to install solar panels:
1. Find out more about solar power
Generating your own renewable energy enables you to supplement or provide all your electricity needs, which reduces energy costs and greenhouse emissions. A small one kilowatt system on an average sized house can save around two tonnes of CO2 per year.
Download the information sheet below to find out how solar power works and how you can install panels in your own house.
Solar panels information sheet (480.11kB)
2. Check if you need approval to install solar panels
Some property owners will require planning approval to install solar panels. You can install solar panels in a Heritage Overlay, but if they or the inverter will be visible from the street you will need to apply for a planning permit from Council. Contact (03) 9205 5373 for further information or download:
Solar panels: do I need a planning permit (367.21kB)
3. Apply for a planning permit
Download the guide below to find out what information you need to provide to Council when applying for a planning permit to install solar panels on your house, or call (03) 9205 5555 for further information:
Solar panels on residential buildings: planning guide and checklist (1.04MB)
4. Check if you are eligible for solar credits
The Solar Homes and Communities Plan rebate scheme for solar electricity systems ended on 9 June 2009 and has been replaced by the Solar Credits Scheme. The solar credit scheme is not means tested, and is available to businesses as well as households and community groups.
For more information on solar credits, visit the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency website.
5. Contact an accredited installer
Contact an accredited installer to see if your house is suitable and get a quote. It is advisable to obtain a couple of quotes.
Find an accredited installer on the Clean Energy Council website
More resources
For more information about the Victorian feed-in tariff which reimburses you for providing excess electricity into the State electricity grid, visit the Department of Primary Industries website.
For a consumer guide to solar PV, visit the Clean Energy Council website
For more information about installing solar panels, visit the Alternative Technology Association website.
Further information
Michael Oke
Coordinator - Environmental Management
9205 5723
Michael.Oke@yarracity.vic.gov.au
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