Australia is experiencing rapid growth in solar power usage, benefitting from high solar radiation and government initiatives that encourage renewable energy adoption. Over two million households have installed solar systems, driven by incentives such as the mandatory renewable energy target and various state programs aimed at increasing renewable capacity. Each state has set ambitious renewable energy targets and initiatives to support the transition to clean energy, contributing to economic benefits and environmental sustainability.

1. Solar Power Usage in
Australia
Leon Siebel

2. What is Solar Energy?
“Energy created by heat and light from the sun. Solar power is produced when
solar energy is converted into electricity or used to heat air, water or other
substances.”
Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

3. Solar in Australia
• Solar is a fast-growing industry in Australia.
• Australia has the highest solar radiation per
square meter of any continent and
consequently has the best solar energy
resources in the world.
• While the current rate of solar use in Australia
is relatively low, solar electricity generation is
increasing in response to both economic
demand and government policies such as the
Renewable Energy Target.
• Over two million households in Australia have
now installed solar power for their homes!
Sources: Geoscience Australia; Clean Energy Council.

4. Incentives of Solar Use in Australia
• Savings
Modifying your electricity usage patterns and choosing the right power suppliers can aid you in maximising your savings or even make a profit from solar.
• MRET
The Mandatory Renewable Energy Target is a key tool that has driven the use of solar energy in Australia to higher levels through the wholesale purchases of
Renewable Energy Certificates.
• Increasing Credibility
Improved certification and installation standards mean that systems installed meet high installation standards.
• Subsidy Funding
A noticeable incentive towards the use of solar, this subsidy is mainly for solar plants that generate coal plant scale power in Australia.
• Solar Credits
The solar credits program boosted the use of solar energy both at homes and various community use buildings.
• Natural Incentive
Australia has great environmental conditions to use solar energy making it efficient and environmentally friendly to use.
Source: Research Australia

5. Know Your State’s Key Programs, Policies and Initiatives
NSW:
• Zero emissions by 2050
• Plan to increase renewable capacity
to 10,000MW by 2021
• Improve access to renewables with
poles and wires through the
Transmission Infrastructure Strategy
• $55mil Emerging Energy Program
supporting the commercialisation
of dispatchable technology
NT:
• 50% renewable energy by 2030
• Roadmap to Renewables report
• First large-scale solar project to
be constructed
• $5mil rooftop solar in schools
program
SA:
• $200mil towards an interconnector
investment with NSW
• $100mil household battery program
• $50mil Grid Scale Storage Fund
QLD:
• 50% renewable energy by 2030
• Solar Farm Guidelines delivered in 2018
• $1.16bil Powering Queensland Plan
• $97mil investment in solar and energy
saving devices in schools
VIC:
• 50% renewable energy by 2030
• Zero net emissions by 2050
• $1.3bil Solar Homes program to support
720,000 new solar households
TAS:
• Battery of the Nation plan – Double
renewable capacity to 5000MW
• Planning for two new renewable energy
parks, including wind and battery storage
WA:
• Powerbank trial
• Rooftop solar trading scheme
• 100kW of solar to be installed in
remote communities
Source: Clean Energy Council – Clean Energy Australia Report 2019

6. Victoria is increasing its Renewable Energy Target
Source: Melbourne Chamber of Commerce
In August 2019, the Victorian Government introduced
legislation to increase Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target
to 50 per cent by 2030.
• Fulfilling a 2018 election promise.
• As of 2018 = 20.5 per cent of electricity generated from
renewables sources.
• Current target = 25 per cent of electricity generated from
renewables by 2020, increasing to 40 per cent by 2025.
• The new commitment builds on and extends the current targets.
• More than 3,000MW of renewable capacity is under construction
or contracted to be built
• This will help lower electricity prices for Victorian households and creates job
opportunities.
Source: Energy Matters

7. Get Involved
• Generate renewable energy on site using a system or device at the location of
power usage. A great way to start doing this is to install solar in your home.
• Purchase green power.
• Purchase renewable energy.
Sun
produces
energy
PV Panels
harvest
energy
Power
your home
Save
money!