RANGES TRADER STAR MAIL
Home » Mail » Emerald leads solar race

Emerald leads solar race

The Emerald Village Bakery and Cafe is the seventh business in the town to install solar panels.

Manager David Granieri said the main reasons for the move were to cut power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Peter Cook from the Emerald-based Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association (DRREA) said Vibe Fitness Gym in Emerald would soon follow suit.

He said the group had been encouraging residents, community groups and business owners in Emerald to install solar since 2008 through its Emerald Going Solar program.

“At least 478 buildings – mainly houses – have solar systems in the Emerald post code area,” Mr Cook said.

In another first for Emerald, its soon-to-be-built community hub will have a charging station for two electric vehicles.

“This means visitors to the town will be able to charge up while enjoying a stop in Emerald,” Mr Cook said.

Other Emerald businesses that have embraced solar include Emerald Co-op Mitre 10, Emerald Village Meats, Emerald Medical Centre, Emerald Produce, Emerald Fuels Plus and Emerald Custom Picture Framing.

Digital Editions


  • Ghouls, goblins and more!

    Ghouls, goblins and more!

    Belgrave township and beyond was packed for Halloween 2025 and Friday afternoon saw the the streets fill with thrills, chills, hopeful trick or treaters, performance…