"ACT claims top spot for rooftop solar annual increase in 2017"

Solar PV on homes and a school, Canberra, ACT.  Photo: Julie May

In 2017, the Australian Capital Territory took top place among Australian states and territories for the biggest annual increase in rooftop solar, up 57 percent. There was a 41 per cent increase in installed renewable energy capacity across all of Australia compared to 2016. Queensland led the way in installed capacity with 295 MW.

According to the Clean Energy Regulator’s Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme's data, more than 1057 MW was installed last year, mostly from rooftop solar. This equates to around 3.5 million solar panels being fixed to Australian rooftops, or more than 9500 installed every day.

There was also a preference for larger capacity systems in 2017 as reducing costs made these more attractive. The average home solar system capacity has doubled in the five years since 2012, from 3 to 6 KW.

"We are seeing a wide cross-section of Australians – households, community centres, schools, and small businesses – receiving incentives under the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme."...”It looks like 2018 will be another good year for the solar industry.” said Mark Williamson, Executive General Manager of the Clean Energy Regulator.

Further reading: “ACT claims top position for rooftop solar uptake in 2017”, SERREE News Update, March 20, 2018.