bulk-buying initiative by metropolitan councils.

About 280 Brimbank households had signed up to the scheme by the end of May.

Acting engineering and operations general manager Neil Whiteside expected that number to grow.

"About 80per cent of registrations have been for one-kilowatt systems with the remaining 20per cent being for systems ranging from 1.3-2.2kilowatts," he said.

"About half those registering have elected to install inverters with a larger capacity so that they can add additional panels at a later date."

The project is a joint initiative of Brimbank, Melton, Maroondah, Moonee Valley, Knox, Whitehorse, Wyndham, Boroondara and Yarra Ranges councils.

Under the scheme, residents and businesses would be connected to a solar panel provider, who offers the bulk discount price.

Normally, it costs about $13,000 to install a one-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system. Under the bulk-purchase price, the same system will cost eligible residents $1200.

Mr Whiteside was happy with the uptake.

"The council is very happy with the interest that has been generated in the Solar Suburbs program.

"[Provider] Clear Solar has informed the council that it has been receiving around 150 calls a day and about the same number of emails about the program," he said.

Due to changes in the Australian Government solar rebate scheme, the bulk purchase program will be available only until mid-June as rebate applications must be lodged with the Government by June 30.