Energy retailer AGL reveals rooftop solar rollout in Victoria

Energy retail giant AGL has announced it will install 91 new rooftop solar PV systems with a combined capacity of up to 1.6 MW and capable of generating an estimated 1,992 MWh of clean electricity annually for Vinnies in Victoria.

AGL chief customer officer Christine Corbett said on Friday the systems, which are expected to deliver the equivalent generation of more than 415 average Australian homes, would help the not-for-profit organisation reduce operational costs and meet sustainability targets.

“AGL will install up to 1.6 MW solar systems across Vinnies’ Victoria properties, reinforcing their commitment to net-zero emissions,” Corbett said.

“We estimate that these installations will save up to $1.26 million in energy costs – much-needed funds that can be redirected back into the community.”

The first of the solar installations was unveiled at Hughesdale in Melbourne’s south-east on Friday with Victoria’s Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio saying the switch to solar aligns with the state’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions.

“It’s fabulous to see community organisations reducing their bills and slashing their emissions by installing solar panels,” she said.

“It all counts as we work towards halving our carbon emissions by 2030.”

Corbett said the rooftop rollout is in line with AGL’s climate statement, with the energy retailer “committed to supporting businesses create more sustainable operations with tailored and innovative energy solutions”.

Identified by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) as the nation’s biggest polluter, AGL has in recent months made a series of announcements, vowing to transition to “full decarbonisation” by 2050.

AGL has announced plans to establish a 200 MW grid-scale battery at its Loy Yang power station in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, has commenced construction on its 250 MW one-hour-duration battery at the site of its Torrens Island power station in South Australia, and has entered into a joint venture with the UK’s Ovo Energy for the exclusive rights to the company’s energy management platform.

The energy retailer has also acquired commercial and industrial solar businesses Epho and Solgen Energy Group. The acquisitions will see AGL deliver more than 70 MW of C&I solar each year, making it the largest commercial solar provider in Australia.