Approximately 1.3 GW of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) was installed during the first half of 2024, as millions of Australians turn to solar to ease energy cost pressures, according to the Clean Energy Council’s bi-annual Rooftop Solar and Storage Report (January - June 2024), published today.
Despite stronger winter conditions, rooftop solar grew its contribution to Australia’s total energy generation mix to 11.3 per cent during the first half of 2024. New South Wales also became the second state to pass one million total rooftop PV installations, after Queensland did so in 2023.
“Australian consumers are continuing to lead the world in adopting rooftop solar,” Clean Energy Council Co-Chief Policy and Impact Officer, Con Hristodoulidis, said.
It’s become a staple investment for homeowners and small businesses. With typical payback periods of around three to four years, rooftop solar is now a recognised and simple step to take pressure off the family budget.Con Hristodoulidis Clean Energy Council Co-Chief Policy & Impact Officer
The report, developed with data provided by solar consultancy SunWiz, also found promising signs for the uptake of home batteries with nearly 30,000 battery units sold in the first half of 2024.
Despite such strong growth, home battery uptake remains far behind the levels needed under the Australian Energy Market Operator’s 2024 Integrated System Plan to efficiently achieve Australia’s 82 per cent renewable energy target in 2030.
“Over 3.7 million homes and small businesses now have solar panels on their roofs, helping them reduce their energy bills in the daytime,” Hristodoulidis said.
“Home batteries are now the missing piece of the puzzle, to maximise those solar savings for times when the sun isn't shining and smash household energy bills.”
As the Clean Energy Council’s, ‘It’s Time to Back Batteries’ campaign has shown, the implementation of a national incentive scheme could trigger an additional 410,000 installations of batteries in homes and small businesses by 2050.
Households could expect annual bill savings of between $900 and $1000 per year with non-orchestrated batteries and between $1150 and 1500 per year with orchestrated batteries trading energy with the grid. Even households without solar or batteries could see lower energy bills as more home batteries drive benefits to the overall energy system.
“Incentives for home batteries are needed now to maximise Australia’s world-leading rooftop solar capacity," Hristodoulidis said.
"It is a win-win outcome. In a midst of a slower economy, solar PV and home batteries can play a key role is lifting economic activity by support for thousands of Australian installers and businesses working in the sector, as well as lowering energy bills for all Australians.”
Key statistics from the Rooftop Solar and Storage Report (January - June 2024):
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic (‘PV’) installations are on track to pass a total of 25 GW installed capacity in Australia by the end of 2024. By comparison, black and brown coal combined for 21.3 GW of total installed capacity in the financial year to 2023-24.
- Rooftop PV contributed 11.3 per cent, or 13,479 GWh of Australia’s total energy generation for the first half of 2024.
- With 454 MW of new rooftop solar systems installed in the first half of 2024, New South Wales has led the way for the highest bi-annual installed capacity of any state. It has held this title since 2018 and now becomes the second state to pass one million total rooftop PV installations.
- There were nearly 30,000 battery units sold nation-wide in the first half of 2024, while 57,000 behind-the-meter batteries were installed in 2023.
- There are currently 7250 approved rooftop solar, inverter and storage products across Australia, representing a 12 per cent increase compared to the previous bi-annual report.
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683