Install solar, sign a PPA or switch to GreenPower for business

Business electricity use in Darebin contributes roughly 36% of our greenhouse emissions. Switching to renewable energy is an easy way to have a massive impact. 51 (and counting) Victorian Local Governments did just this with the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO)

The Business Renewables Centre Australia has some great tools and resources to help you explore purchasing renewable energy.

Check out ways your business can make sure your energy is renewable.

Install solar

Installing solar panels allows businesses to generate clean electricity during the day, which is typically when energy consumption is highest. You’ll remain connected to the grid for overnight or cloudy-day energy needs, and any additional grid electricity can be sourced from a 100% renewable supplier or even better, Greenpower. (see below for details)

Adding a battery enables you to store unused solar power, making it ideal for businesses with 24/7 energy demands, such as those using refrigeration. Batteries with blackout protection can also safeguard critical systems or allow continued trading during outages.

Buy GreenPower

If installing solar isn’t an option, you can still purchase renewable energy through your current electricity connection. Sign up with a 100% renewable energy retailer or go further with GreenPower.

GreenPower is a government-backed accreditation, where an independent third party conducts thorough checks to make sure electricity use is matched with renewable electricity added to the grid. GreenPower is recognised by other sustainability accreditation standards such as NABERS, Green Star, GECA, NGERS and Climate Active, supporting your ESG reporting.

Use the Victorian Energy Compare website to compare plans and find the best deal, including GreenPower options. Medium sized businesses can enlist energy brokers to help find and negotiate the best deals for clean energy.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Large energy users can enter a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), a long-term contract to buy electricity directly from a renewable energy supplier (e.g., wind or solar farms). PPAs offer 100% renewable energy, price certainty, and support for large-scale renewable energy projects by guaranteeing suppliers a steady customer base.

The City of Sydney has a great explanation of PPAs on their website.

Retiring Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)

Another way to reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of your electricity use is by purchasing and retiring Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) from a retailer, or directly from a wind or solar farm. 

More information

If you have any questions or want to find out more, please contact us at sustainable.business@darebin.vic.gov.au

Register your interest for our sustainable business program

Visit our Local business electric heroes page to learn more from others who are transitioning to all electric businesses.