Bayside Council will investigate opportunities to increase rooftop solar generation across suitable Council-owned buildings following a resolution adopted at the Council Meeting on 26 August 2026.
Council will prepare a report for a future Council Meeting examining how recent changes to the Australian Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) may improve the financial viability of larger rooftop solar installations on Council facilities.
The report will outline which Council buildings currently have rooftop solar installed, their existing generation capacity, and the potential for additional solar energy generation across suitable Council-owned sites.
Council currently has rooftop solar systems installed across 11 facilities, with a combined installed capacity of 454 kW and estimated annual electricity generation of approximately 506,600 kWh.
Battery storage systems have also been installed at three Council sites, providing a combined storage capacity of 190 kWh.
Council's ongoing approach is to expand solar and battery infrastructure at high-use facilities. Current priority projects include the Botany Aquatic Centre and the expansion of solar capacity at Green Street Depot. An application for SRES funding to support the Green Street Depot solar expansion is already underway.
When selecting sites for solar and battery installations, Council prioritises facilities with high electricity consumption, strong daytime energy demand, consistent year-round usage and sufficient roof or site capacity. This approach aims to maximise renewable energy generation, reduce electricity costs and support Council's emissions reduction objectives.
All Council buildings and operations currently use 100 per cent renewable electricity.
Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall said:
"I am very confident in Council's approach to expanding solar and battery infrastructure at high-use facilities," Mayor Edward McDougall.
"Council will continue to identify opportunities to lower electricity costs and emissions while improving long-term energy resilience across its operations."
