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5Solar PV systems and battery storage
Progress
On time
- Not started
- Planning
- Implementation
- Continuous
OBJECTIVE
IMPACT
MediumSince July 2021, the majority of Council's buildings and facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy. Solar PV and battery systems reduce power bills and produce and store renewable energy on-site.
Description
Council has been installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on our public buildings and facilities since 2012.
To date, solar PV systems (and in some cases solar batteries) have been installed on 22 public buildings and facilities across the shire. A number of these systems have been installed in collaboration with community groups.
Collectively these solar PV systems have over 225kW capacity.
Council's buildings and facilities now produce close to zero emissions from electricity consumption, via our Power Purchase Agreement with Red Energy. Reducing reliance on grid-delivered electricity, even when generated from renewable sources, is still important. Solar PV systems are a viable and cost-effective way for us to produce local renewable energy, reduce electricity costs, and increase resilience in our energy network.
Solar projects are prioritised on a broad range of considerations, including access to funding, return on investment (ROI), energy usage patterns, planning overlays, structural and roofing condition, and alignment with wider community and sustainability objectives.
Tasks
What's left to do?
- 30/06/2024
Undertake an inventory of electricity production of Council's solar PV systems
This will help improve Council's understanding of the solar PV systems on our buildings and facilities, by collecting and analysing energy data to get a complete view of our energy profile.
What are we doing?
- 30/06/2024
Chiltern Athenaeum - install a 5.18kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 5.18 kW Sunpower System (14 Panels + Micro Inverters)
INSTALLER: Greg Owen (Period Building Conservation)
COST: $12,750
WARRANTY: 14 x Sunpower Performance 3 (370W) (25 yr warranty) / 14 x Sunpower P3 IQ7A Enphase (25 yr warranty on parts, 10 yr on labour)
PROJECT BACKGROUND: During the completion of the upgrade works at the Chiltern Athenaeum, Council secured a grant from Sustainability Victoria to install solar PV system on the roof.
The panels have been installed but aren't connected and working until the electrical upgrades occur, as part of the Athenaeum's restoration works.
- 30/06/2035
Install solar PV systems and battery storage on all new buildings and major renovations (where applicable)
This is an on-going action for staff involved in scoping and managing new building construction and major renovations and restorations. This aligns with Council's Climate Emergency Declaration and Net Zero by 2035 target for Council's emissions.
What has been done?
- 20/11/2024
The Pines, Beechworth - install a 30kW ground-mounted solar PV system
SYSTEM: 30 kW ground-mounted solar PV system (62 x 475w Jinko monocrystalline panels). Panels are tilted at 30 degrees on an S-Rack mounting frame.
The 30kW Sungrow inverter (20kW plus 10kW) includes a full monitoring app to track power generation and usage. This includes a second inverter which was added so that the system is ready for a future battery.
INSTALLER: Solar Professionals
COST: $74,658 (This includes $18,000 for perimeter fencing, $800 for an arboricultural assessment, $1,800 for a heritage impact statement, and $3,058 for a Heritage Victoria permit application - number P36301).
WARRANTY: Jinko panels (25 year product warranty and 30 year linear power warranty), Sungrow inverter (10 year warranty).
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Council has installed a ground-mounted 30kW solar PV system at the rear of 'The Pines', Council's Beechworth offices.
The project will generate and provide on-site renewable electricity to the building, which is Council's highest consumer of electricity.
Due to the location being within the Mayday Hills Historic Precinct, the project necessitated the following:
A Heritage Victoria permit application was lodged on 18/05/23 and approved on the 30/08/2023.
To gain approval, Council was required to advertise the proposal on 30/06/23 in the Ovens & Murray Advertiser and install signs at the entrance to Mayday Hills for a period of 14 days. No public submissions were received by Heritage Victoria during the advertising period.
Once Heritage Victoria approval was granted, the project was tendered in late 2023 and awarded to Solar Professionals.
Council undertook some pruning work of overhanging Eucalyptus at the eastern end of the site, and herbicide spraying of English Broom and Gorse that were present in the western section of the site.
- 07/08/2023
Yackandandah Community Centre - install 13.26 kW solar PV + 16.56 kWh battery system
SYSTEM: 13.26 kW solar PV and 16.56 kWh battery system
INSTALLER: Solar Integrity
COST: $32,013
WARRANTY: 15yr product (25 yr performance) Trina Solar Vertex Solar Panels S TSM-390DE09.08; 5yr+5yr / Fronius Symo GEN24 10.0 Plus 100000W Inverter / 10 yr BYD Battery-Box Premium HVM /5yr Installer warranty
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This recently completed project is a community-driven and funded project, that involved the installation of a 13.26 kW solar PV + 16.56 kWh battery storage system at Yackandandah Community Centre. The project included replacing a smaller 6.1kW solar PV system installed in 2013.
The project was an initiative of Totally Renewable Yackandandah(TRY) and Yackandandah Community Centre Inc, with funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) via the Local Community Grants program.
This initiative will deliver additional solar capacity and battery storage to the building, which will help reduce the centre’s electricity bills as well as cut Council’s Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
The project is part of an emergency-readiness initiative being rolled out across Yackandandah.
Planning Permit: PP22-0289
- 05/07/2023
Tangambalanga Lions Den - install an 8.88kW solar PV + 13.8 kWh battery system
SYSTEM: 8.88kW Trina Solar system and 13.8kWh BYD Battery - Box
INSTALLER: Solar Integrity
COST: $25,848 + GST
WARRANTY: 21 x 415w Trina Vertex S Solar Panels TSM-415NEG9.28, (25 yr Warranty) / Fronius SYMO GEN24 8.0 Plus Inverter, (5 + 5 yr warranty) / BYD Battery-Box Premium HVM 13.8kWh (10yr warranty) / Installer warranty - 5 yrs.
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This project was jointly funded by Council and the Victorian Government through a $11,353 grant received from Sustainability Victoria, via their Community Climate Change and Energy Action grants program.
- 01/05/2023
Chiltern Hub - install a 25kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 2 x 12.5kW solar PV systems. Sungrow 10kW Inverter, 50 x Trina 500W panels.
INSTALLER: Energy Aware
COST: $45,000
WARRANTY: Panels - 10 Year Product Warranty, 25 Year Linear Performance, Inverter - 10 Year Product Warranty, Roof mounting system - 10 Year Product Warranty, 5 Year Finish.
PROJECT BACKGROUND: Two 12.5 kW systems have been installed on the building, and metered in two sections:
- Library (Council managed)
- Kindergarten/ Childcare (tenant is managed by North East Regional Pre School Association - NERPSA)
- 17/04/2023
Rutherglen Gold Battery - install a 3.08kW solar PV
SYSTEM: 3.08 kW (7 Panels + Micro Inverters)
INSTALLER:
COST: $7,833.80
WARRANTY: 7 x Jinko Tiger Neo 440W panels (unspecified warranty); Fronius Primo inverter 3.5-1 3.5 kW (10 year warranty); installation warranty (10 year)
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This project was funded through the Community Sustainability Grants Program (2022/23) and delivered by the Rutherglen Gold Battery Committee.
Image: Rutherglen Gold Battery CSG Program - Inverter - 13/04/2023
Stanley Soldiers Memorial Hall - Install a 6.24kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 6.24kW solar PV system
INSTALLER: Solar Integrity
COST: $7,188
WARRANTY: 16 x Trina Solar Vertex S TSM-390DE09.08 (390W) / Fronius 5kW inverter (5+5yr warranty) / installation 5yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This project was funded through Council's Community Sustainability Grants Program (2021/2022).
- 24/03/2023
Beechworth Gang Plate Layers Cottage - install a 6.64kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 6.64kW solar PV system
INSTALLER: Parker Electrical
COST: $7,724 + GST
WARRANTY: Jinko Solar Panels (16 x415w JKM415N-54HL4-V - 12 year product warranty / Fronius 5kW Primo Plus inverter (5+5yr warranty) / installation (warranty ongoing from Parker Electrical).
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This collaborative project was originally funded through Council's Community Sustainability Grants Program (2021/2022). Council later provided additional funds to expand the size of the system and upgrade the inverter technology to ensure it was battery ready in the event that future funding is secured.
- 20/05/2021
Beechworth Railway Station - install a 4.2kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 4.2 kW (12 panel) solar PV system
INSTALLER: Solar Integrity
COST: $8,424
WARRANTY: LG Neon panels (25yr warranty) / Fronius Symo 5.0-3-M Inverter (5 + 5 year warranty) / 5yr installation warranty
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This is a leased building, with funding provided by Council's Community Sustainability Grants Program (2019/2020) and Council's capital works budget, as the building's electricity account was being shared at the time between Council and the Beechworth Food Co-op.
- 01/04/2021
Beechworth Senior Citizens Centre - install a 4.2kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 4.2kW solar PV system
INSTALLER: Sunrise Power Solutions
COST: $6,951 + GST
WARRANTY: Q.PEAK DUO – G6+ 350w Panels (25yr warranty) / SolarEdge inverter (12yr warranty) / SolarEdge Optimisers / Installation warranty 5 yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This project was Council funded.
- 24/02/2021
Rutherglen Senior Citizens Centre - install a 4.42kW solar PV + 13kWh battery system
SYSTEM: 4.42kW solar PV system + 13.2kWh Tesla Powerwall 2 Battery
INSTALLER: Solar - Sunrise Power Solutions, Battery - Solar Integrity
COST: Solar - $6,451 + GST, Battery - $ 14,409 + GST
WARRANTY: Solar - Q.PEAK DUO – G6+ 350w Panels (25yr warranty) / SolarEdge inverter (12yr warranty) / SolarEdge Optimisers / Installation warranty 5yrs, Tesla Battery - 10yr
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
The solar PV system was funded by Council in early 2021. The solar battery was installed in October 2021, and was an initiative of Totally Renewable Indigo North (TRIN). TRIN obtained funding via the Australian Government's Stronger Communities Program, administered through the office of MP Helen Haines, Federal Member for Indi.
- 01/09/2019
Yackandandah Public Hall - install a 10.98kW solar PV + 26kWh battery system
SYSTEM: 10.98kW Solar PV system (36 x 305W Trina panels), 2x 13kWh Battery storage system
INSTALLER: Solar Integrity
COST: 2019 - Approx $33,000, 2022 - additional battery $10,454
WARRANTY:
2019 - 10yr Trina Honey Plus Solar Panels-TSM-305DD05A(II) Solar Panels Product warranty, 2 x Fronius Primo 5.0-1 Inverter 10yr warranty 1 x Selectronic SPMC481-AU Inverter/Charger for Battery 10 yr warranty, 1 x 13kWhr LG Chem RESU13 10yr limited warranty.
2022 - additional battery, 13kwhr LG Chem RESU13 10yr limited warranty
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This was a community-funded installation in partnership with the committee of management, Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY), and Council. The first stage was installed in 2019, with additional battery storage installed in 2022.
- 01/07/2019
Rutherglen Memorial Hall/Library - install a 15.18kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 15.18kW solar PV system
INSTALLER: Solar Integrity
COST: $14,998
WARRANTY: QPEAK DUO - GS Panels (25yr warranty) / Fronius Symo 15kW inverter (5yr warranty) / installation (10yr warranty)
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This was a Council funded installation. The inverter is situated in the meter room in the joining Hall/ The system has a monitoring attached with a wifi booster.
- 31/03/2019
Beechworth Transfer Station - install a 3.1kW solar PV and battery system (stand alone)
SYSTEM: 3.1 kW solar PV with 9.6kWh battery
INSTALLER: Solar Integrity
COST: $21,949
WARRANTY: 10 x 310w Hanwha Q CELLS Q.PEAK-G4.1 Solar Panels (12 yr Product Warranty & 25 Yr Output Warranty) / Fronius Primo 5.0-1 Solar Inverter (10 Yr Warranty) / 1 x Selectronic 5Kw SPMC481 Battery Inverter/Charger (10 Yr Warranty) 9.6Kwh of usable battery power using / 3 x 4kwh PowerPlus ECO4840P Rack Mount Batteries in an 8 Module Battery Cabinet. (10 Yr Limited Warranty) / 5 yr installer warranty
PROJECT BACKGROUND: Council funded off grid project to improve service delivery and staff comfort at the Transfer station. The project was seen as a viable option as the existing site office didn't have power and amenity. The 100% renewable stand alone system allowed significantly improved on site services.
- 30/11/2018
Beechworth Memorial Hall and Library - install a 24.6kW solar PV + 16kWh battery system
SYSTEM:
Library
- Stage 1 - 4.5kW AC Zen Solar PV System (June 2016 - meter no# 4728205 NMI# 36050078059) / Enphase Micro Inverters / Installer Zen Energy Systems (contractor Next Generation Solar) /with enphase monitoring system
- Stage 2 - 11.52kW DC LG Solar PV System (36 LG 320w panels)
- Sonnen Battery Installation (April 2018+) - Zen Home Energy, stage 1 - 12kWh, Next Generation Solar, stage 2 - 4kWh
Hall
- 9.6kW DC LG Solar System (30 x 320w LG Panels) / Fronius Symo 15kW Inverter (November 2018) / Installer Solar integrity
INSTALLER: Zen Energy Systems (solar) / Solar Integrity (solar) / Next Generation Solar (battery)
COST:
Library
- Stage 1 Solar - 18x250W Zen panels 10x215-60-230-s22-E enphase micro inverters - $6,352
- Stage 2 Solar - installation + pre-purchased LG panels $6,576
- Battery - $14,999 ($12,000 - Victorian Government grant, $3,000 Council), Stage 2 - $4,400
Hall - $11,090
Total - $28,418
WARRANTY:
Library Stage 1 - Zen solar panel system (10yrs), enphase micro inverters (15yrs).
Library/Hall - Stage 2 - LG 320w panels- 25yr product and performance, Fronius Inverters - standard 5yr with free 5yr extension out to 10yr total if installed pre-2019. Chiko Panel Mounting framework- 10yr product warranty. Installation- 10yr installer warranty (tin roof)
Library Sonnen Battery - 5yr installer warranty, and a 10yr Sonnen product warranty
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Implementation of renewable energy and battery storage systems evolved over multiple stages as external (state funding - battery) and internal funding became available. They included 9.6kW (Hall) and 15kW (Library) solar PV systems, and 16kWh of battery storage for the library. This site is sub-metered and hosts two NMI's (Hall & Library). The Sonnen battery allows high quality monitoring functionality, and the modular units are housed in a purpose built room in the mezzanine projector room located above the foyer.
- 30/09/2017
Burke Museum, Beechworth - install a 16.67kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 16.677 kW solar system with monitoring (battery ready)
INSTALLER Eco Power & Lighting
COST $34,952
WARRANTY 51 X E20 327w Sunpower panels (25yr warranty), Solar Edge SE 27.6 K inverter (12yr warranty) Installer warranty 5 yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND: The council funded project used high quality components to reflect the high value heritage nature of the site. The design was informed by available roof space, avoiding known areas that may require renewal in the near future. When any additional roofing replacement is completed additional solar may be considered on the roof with heritage approval.
- 01/06/2017
Yackandandah Swimming Pool - install a 4.6kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 14 x Sunpower 327w Panels, 10kW Solar Edge Inverter
INSTALLER: Eco Power & Lighting
COST: $7,265
WARRANTY: 25 years (panels), 10 years (inverter), 5 years (installation)
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This was a pilot project to address rising costs and additional charges for solar heating installation. Support for overarching Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY)/AusNet objectives and potential micro grid implementation. There is potential to expand the system in the future.
Note: Additional power load for pump for solar heating installed 2017/2018.
Upgrade of solar system for additional capacity: $900+$560 (not yet implemented)
- 30/06/2016
Yackandandah Shire Office/Library Building - install a 25kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 25 kW Solar PV & micro inverter system.
INSTALLER: Zen Home Energy
COST:
Stage 1 - $25,953
Stage 2 - $20,716
WARRANTY Micro inverter 25 yrs, Parts and Labour 10 yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND Installed in 2 stages (15 kW - June 2015 on the front flatter section of the building, 10kW - June 2016 on the western facing roof). Ongoing problems with solar system, installation, and monitoring. Independent reporting (Dec 2017) of the system promoted installer to return to site to address issues. Monitoring of onsite energy consumption now primarily through UBI connection.
- 01/06/2014
Chiltern Depot - install a 2.16kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: 2.16kW solar PV system, 5 kW SMA inverter
INSTALLER: Anything Solar (Solar Integrity)
COST: $4,985
WARRANTY: 270W LG panels - 20yrs, SMA inverter - 5yrs, installation - 3yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND: Council-funded solar installation on the Depot staff room.
- 01/12/2013
Yackandandah Depot - install a 4.42kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: Panels, 5kW SMA inverter
INSTALLER: Anything Solar (Solar Integrity)
COST: $8,633
WARRANTY: 26oW LG Panels - 10yrs, SMA 5000TL Inverter - 5yrs, Installation - 3yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND: Council funded solar installation on the staffroom building.
- 31/08/2012
Baarmutha Park Function Centre, Beechworth - install a 4.18kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: Zen Home Energy Black Panel Systems
INSTALLER: Zen Home Energy
COST: $11,090
WARRANTY: 22 x Panels - 10yrs, SMA Invertor - 5 yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
This was a Solar North East (SNE) community project. The SNE project was a 2 year partnership between 7 north-east Victorian councils - Indigo, Alpine, Benalla, Mansfield, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga. The project was made possible by funding of almost $500,000 from Sustainability Victoria and in-kind support by the participating councils of over $200,000.
The project was directly responsible for encouraging residents to install nearly 400 solar power systems across the region;
- Total installed power of almost 1,200 kW
- Accounting for over 16% of the total solar generating capacity installed over the project area
- Total annual energy generation of 1,840 MWh
- Offset approximately 2,650 tonne of CO2-e
- 31/08/2012
Kiewa Bowls Club - install a 4.94kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: Zen Home Energy Black Panel Systems
INSTALLER: Zen Home Energy
COST: $12,908
WARRANTY: 24 x Panels - 10yrs, SMA Invertor - 5 yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND: This was a ISC 'Solar North East' community project.
This solar installation was part of the regional 'Solar North East (SNE)' project. The SNE project was a 2 year partnership between seven north-east Victorian councils - Alpine, Benalla, Indigo, Mansfield, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga. The project was made possible by funding of almost $500,000 from Sustainability Victoria and in-kind support by the participating councils of over $200,000.
The project was directly responsible for encouraging residents to install nearly 400 solar power systems across the region;
- Total installed power of almost 1,200 kW
- Accounting for over 16% of the total solar generating capacity installed over the project area
- Total annual energy generation of 1,840 MWh
- Offset approximately 2,650 tonne of CO2-e
- 31/07/2012
Wahgunyah School of Arts - install a 4.56kW solar PV system
SYSTEM: Zen Home Energy Black Panel Systems
INSTALLER: Zen Home Energy
COST: $12,000
WARRANTY: 24 x Panels - 10 yrs, SMA Invertor - 5 yrs
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
This was a Solar North East (SNE) community project. The SNE project was a 2 year partnership between 7 north-east Victorian councils - Indigo, Alpine, Benalla, Mansfield, Towong, Wangaratta and Wodonga. This installation was a collaboration between council and the Committee of management who paid for additional panels to be added to the original 3kW proposal.
The project was made possible by funding of almost $500,000 from Sustainability Victoria and in-kind support by the participating councils of over $200,000.
Summary and contacts
Timeline
01/01/2012 → Continuous → 30/06/2035
Responsible organisations
- Manages Council's buildings, including maintenance and upgrades.
- Provides technical advice and project management. Considers solar PV and battery storage in the scoping phase for new buildings and major renovations.
- Provides technical advice and project management, pursues external funding, and identifies priorities through carbon accounting (Trellis).
Indicative costs
[Council to insert cost of proposed solar PV systems]
Indicative savings
Operational savings through reduced reliance on purchased electricity.
Information updated 25/11/2024