Joint media release with Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction the Hon Angus Taylor MP

Australians continue to lead the world in uptake of rooftop solar, with 3 million solar systems installed across Australia. 

This year, rooftop solar will contribute 7 per cent of the energy going into our national electricity grid.

By choosing solar energy to power their homes, businesses and community spaces, Australians are helping build our clean energy future and are taking control of their power bills.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said it was good to see so many people taking up the opportunity to save on their power bills while helping reduce our emissions. 

“Australia’s 3 million rooftop solar installations are reducing Australia’s emissions by over 17.7 million tonnes in 2021 and will only increase in the future. More than 1 in 4 houses and many non-residential buildings have installed small-scale rooftop solar,” Minister Taylor said.

With support from the Government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, kindergartens, schools, community centres, pubs, clubs and many homes are now enjoying the benefits of rooftop solar.

“The Albert Park Kinder in Victoria, Australia’s first carbon neutral community kindergarten, is showing the difference small solar installations can make. After installing solar panels, solar batteries and energy efficient equipment, the kindergarten has seen big cuts to its power bills. Albert Park Kinder is now working with local schools and the community to move together to a renewable energy future,” Mr Taylor said.

The extended Covid-19 lockdowns in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT had little impact on rooftop solar installations - with a total of 2.3 gigawatts installed between January and September this year. 

Now lockdowns are easing, the Clean Energy Regulator expects installations to pick up and set a new annual record of about 3.2 gigawatts installed for the full year, up from the 3-gigawatt record set in 2020. The Clean Energy Regulator expects over 400,000 solar installations will receive the Commonwealth incentive in 2021.

Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson said it was great to see Australia leading the way in renewable energy contributions through rooftop solar.

“Australia is the global leader in rooftop solar and we’re adding up to 2,000 small solar installations every business day. Solar empowers small businesses and local community groups to cut both their costs and emissions,” Mr Wilson said.

“For instance, Maiden Gully CFA in Victoria installed a 6.6kW solar PV system and a 13.5kW battery in 2020 after receiving a $12,500 grant from the Federal Government. This solar system provides them with an important source of back-up power and is estimated to save up to 6.8 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.”

For more information about installing small-scale solar systems, finding accredited solar retailers and installers and approved products see the Clean Energy Regulator website.

Media contacts:

Minister Taylor's office 02 6277 7120

Assistant Minister Wilson's office 02 6277 2392