Yarra Ranges Council: creating climate-resilient communities with solar batteries
Case study overview
Committed to creating a thriving and climate-resilient community, Yarra Ranges Council is encouraging residents and businesses to transition to renewable energy and lower carbon alternatives.
Flow Power installed solar and battery storage systems across multiple sites, helping the Council reach its environmental goals and power its shire more sustainably.
A council committed to climate action
From outer Melbourne to Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Ranges Council manages offices, libraries, childcare centres, aquatic facilities and other community services.
In August 2020, the Council endorsed the Liveable Climate Plan – an action plan detailing how it will respond to the threat of climate change.
The Liveable Climate Plan outlines how the Council will work with the community to support a thriving and climate-resilient community and improve community connection throughout Yarra Ranges.
What we delivered
Flow Power installed approximately 980 kW of solar PV over 32 sites with estimated paybacks ranging from 6 to 10 years.
With its new solar energy system, Yarra Ranges Council is making dramatic savings on operating costs. For several months, the Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre had no electricity bills at all.
With this system, the council is ensuring a greener future for its shire – with impressive savings of more than 3,110 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
Boosting solar assets with batteries
Since Flow Power’s initial solar installations, Yarra Ranges Council engaged our team to expand its portfolio of energy assets with battery storage across Council sites; helping provide reliable, cost-effective renewable energy directly to facilities.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Flow Power installed 120 kWh of battery storage at Wandin North Pavillion and 44 kWh at Montrose Sports Pavillion to existing solar PV, plus an additional 160 kWh standalone battery at Belgrave Community Hub.
Adding battery storage to the Council’s solar PV helps maximise the value of these existing assets, ensuring solar energy generated during the day can also be stored to power evening and overnight energy use where required, reducing grid dependence.
Increasing energy resilience with battery storage
Extreme weather events including storms, heatwaves and bushfires are becoming increasingly common due to climate change, which can result in extended power outages.
In response, the Council is increasing the energy resilience of townships throughout the Yarra Ranges by installing more solar battery backup power systems, equipped with generator plug-in points at key facilities.
Batteries offer an ideal replacement for diesel generators as backup power assets, requiring minimal maintenance, significantly lower operational costs and capacity to store renewable energy, rather than relying on carbon-intensive diesel.
Cut carbon emissions and future-proof council energy infrastructure with a sustainable solar battery solution.
Speak to a Flow Power energy specialist today to discuss the best solution for you.