The number of small solar power systems installed in Australia has grown by more than 300,000 since the end of 2011.
Recently published data from the Clean Energy Regulator relating to systems installed under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme shows the nation’s rooftops collectively host at least 956,193 arrays of solar panels as at January 31 this year. At the end of 2011, there were 644,045 systems.
The true current installation figure is higher – Renewable Energy Target (RET) legislation allows a 12 month creation period for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), so 2013 and 2012 figures will continue to rise due to this 12-month window.
The systems represent 2,308,026 kW of solar power capacity – enough to provide all the power needs for around 461,000 average Australian homes.
Australia’s top 20 solar PV postcodes and number of installations as at January 31, 2013:
4670 – Queensland – 6,332
6210 – Western Australia – 6,313
4551 – Queensland – 5,467
4655 – Queensland – 5,325
4350 – Queensland – 4,646
4305 – Queensland – 4,242
4211 – Queensland – 4,060
6155 – Western Australia – 4,005
6065 – Western Australia – 3,942
4570 – Queensland – 3,767
4207 – Queensland – 3,752
4556 – Queensland – 3,718
2830 – New South Wales – 3,609
3029 – Victoria – 3,488
4306 – Queensland – 3,427
4109 – Queensland – 3,413
4680 – Queensland – 3,361
6164 – Western Australia – 3,341
5159 – South Australia – 3,325
5162 – South Australia – 3,315
With electricity prices continuing to cause strain on household budgets, the 1 million installation mark should occur within the next couple of months.
Solar hot water systems also remain a popular way for households to slash energy bills, with 621,387 systems installed at the end of January this year. At the end of 2011, there were 573,659 solar hot water systems installed throughout the nation.
