Small scale solar makes its mark countrywide

THE Clean Energy Regulator claims Australia has cemented itself as a world leader in the use of rooftop solar generation, with another annual record for installed capacity.

The Clean Energy Regulator’s figures reveal there was more than 1057 megawatts of capacity installed last year, beating the previous record of 1035 megawatts set in 2012. 

This brings the total installed small-scale capacity in Australia to more than 6000 megawatts.

According to the Clean Energy Regulator, Australia now has the highest penetration of rooftop solar in the world.

“One in five Australian homes has rooftop solar and an increasing number of small businesses are making the most of the financial and environmental benefits of solar,” Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said.

“The Clean Energy Regulator predicts 2018 will see at least another 1000 megawatts of capacity added to Australian rooftops.”

Part of the drive behind rooftop solar has been the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme which provides financial incentives for households and businesses to install renewable energy systems. This has helped business to reduce its reliance on the electricity grid and reduce emissions, the minister said.

“Earlier this year, the Clean Energy Regulator announced the Renewable Energy Target will be met thanks to more than $12 billion of investment in large-scale projects,” Mr Frydenberg said, noting investment in renewable energy was “at record breaking levels”.

www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au

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