Over 11,281 small-scale systems have been installed in Canberra, ACT with a collective capacity of 10,631 kW. Around one in ten households in Canberra, ACT, generates solar power through rooftop installations, contributing to the territory’s goal of reaching and maintaining 100% renewable energy. This robust adoption of solar energy, supported by local government incentives and a favourable environment for renewable energy, has helped Canberra emerge as a leader in renewable energy within Australia
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Canberra solar statistics
Canberra boasts ideal sun exposure for fantastic solar output throughout the year. Let’s take a look at some of the important factors that impact solar production in Canberra.
| Month | Avg. Solar Hours (Peak Sun Hours) | Avg. High Temp (°C) | Avg. Low Temp (°C) | Avg. Cloud Cover (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6.5 | 29.3 | 23.8 | 50 |
| Feb | 6.7 | 29.4 | 24.3 | 50 |
| Mar | 6.5 | 28.3 | 23.4 | 50 |
| Ap | 7 | 27.0 | 22.0 | 47 |
| May | 7 | 24.9 | 19.8 | 45 |
| June | 6 | 23.7 | 18.0 | 47 |
| July | 6 | 23.2 | 17.2 | 48 |
| Aug | 6 | 24.0 | 18.0 | 48 |
| Sept | 7.5 | 25.8 | 20.5 | 42 |
| Oct | 8 | 27.3 | 22.3 | 40 |
| Nov | 9 | 28.5 | 23.0 | 45 |
| Dec | 8.5 | 29.2 | 24.0 | 48 |
Data: Climates to Travel, Weather Atlas
- Average Solar Hours: Canberra experiences peak solar irradiance in January and December, with average solar hours around 8.2 hours in January.
- Temperature Ranges: Summers are warm, with highs around 28°C in January, while winter lows drop near 1°C in July.
- Cloud Cover: Cloud cover decreases in summer, averaging around 20% in January, while winter months (June and July) see higher cloud cover at approximately 45%, reducing sunlight hours.
Canberra homes with a solar system
11,281
Canberra homes with battery storage
Unknown
Australian Capital Territory EV ownership
Unknown
Figures updated 2024
Why Solar and Battery Storage are essential for Canberra homes and businesses
With Canberra’s high electricity costs and increasing focus on sustainability, solar and battery storage solutions are rapidly becoming essential for both homes and businesses. These systems offer significant savings, environmental benefits, and energy independence, which are critical in a city aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace renewable energy.
- Cost Savings: Solar power can drastically cut electricity bills, while battery storage allows homes and businesses to store excess energy for later use, minimising reliance on the grid.
- Energy Independence: Solar and battery systems provide protection against power outages, giving users control over their energy production and storage, which is especially valuable during peak demand.
- Environmental Impact: By reducing dependency on fossil fuels, solar and battery systems significantly decrease carbon emissions, supporting Canberra’s clean energy goals and benefiting the environment long-term.
City of Canberra suburbs
The following suburbs can enjoy the benefits of solar and battery storage. Contact your council to find out if your home has any restrictions or heritage overlays that may impact the installation of solar on your home or business.
- Acton – 2601
- Ainslie – 2602
- Amaroo – 2914
- Banks – 2906
- Barton – 2600
- Belconnen – 2617
- Bonner – 2914
- Braddon – 2612
- Bruce – 2617
- Calwell – 2905
- Campbell – 2612
- Casey – 2913
- Chapman – 2611
- Chifley – 2606
- Chisholm – 2905
- Conder – 2906
- Cook – 2614
- Curtin – 2605
- Deakin – 2600
- Dickson – 2602
- Downer – 2602
- Duffy – 2611
- Dunlop – 2615
- Evatt – 2617
- Fadden – 2904
- Farrer – 2607
- Fisher – 2611
- Florey – 2615
- Flynn – 2615
- Garran – 2605
- Gilmore – 2905
- Giralang – 2617
- Gordon – 2906
- Gowrie – 2904
- Greenway – 2900
- Griffith – 2603
- Gungahlin – 2912
- Hackett – 2602
- Hall – 2618
- Harrison – 2914
- Hawker – 2614
- Higgins – 2615
- Holt – 2615
- Hughes – 2605
- Isaacs – 2607
- Isabella Plains – 2905
- Kaleen – 2617
- Kambah – 2902
- Kingston – 2604
- Latham – 2615
- Lawson – 2617
- Lyneham – 2602
- Lyons – 2606
- Macgregor – 2615
- Macquarie – 2614
- Mawson – 2607
- Melba – 2615
- Monash – 2904
- Ngunnawal – 2913
- Nicholls – 2913
- O’Connor – 2602
- Oxley – 2903
- Page – 2614
- Palmerston – 2913
- Pearce – 2607
- Phillip – 2606
- Red Hill – 2603
- Reid – 2612
- Richardson – 2905
- Rivett – 2611
- Scullin – 2614
- Spence – 2615
- Stirling – 2611
- Tharwa – 2620
- Theodore – 2905
- Torrens – 2607
- Tuggeranong – 2900
- Turner – 2612
- Wanniassa – 2903
- Watson – 2602
- Weetangera – 2614
- Weston – 2611
- Yarralumla – 2600
Rebates and Incentives for Solar, Batteries, and more in Canberra
As mentioned, the ACT government is one of the reasons there is an uptake of small-scale solar in the territory. The government provides generous solar rebates and incentives that push homeowners and business owners to switch to solar energy. Below are the ones that are available:
Sustainable Household Scheme
The ACT Government is offering up to $15,000 interest-free over a ten-year loan period for installations of energy-efficiency products with their Sustainable Household Scheme.
Home Energy Support Rebate
Designed for veterans and pensioners, the Home Energy Support Rebate provides rebates for sustainable home upgrades divided into two categories.
Category A products are solar panel (PV) energy systems that allow for up to $2,500. Category B products allow for a rebate of up to $2,500 for energy-efficient appliances, like hot water heat pumps, electric stoves, and more.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
STCs are financial incentives for those installing solar panels and energy-efficient products. They can be redeemed for cash that can be used to reduce the upfrontcost of solar systems. The number of STCs you get will vary based on the size and location.
Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)
Your energy retailer will provide you with FiTs when you export excess energy into the grid. The rates will be based on the energy retailer.
How much can I save with solar in Canberra?
In Canberra, the savings from installing a solar system depend on its size and your energy consumption. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings for different system sizes:
- 5 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 6,643 kWh.
- Savings: Based on an average electricity cost of around 30 cents per kWh, you could save about $1,993 annually by self-consuming the majority of your solar power, assuming you use around 80% of the generated power.
- 6.6 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Roughly 8,831 kWh.
- Savings: Estimated annual savings could reach about $2,649, assuming similar self-consumption rates.
- 8 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 10,950 kWh.
- Savings: You could save around $3,285 per year if you consume most of this power.
- 10 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Around 13,250 kWh.
- Savings: With this system size, potential annual savings could be about $3,975.
Key points to consider:
- Feed-in Tariffs: Any excess power fed back into the grid is typically compensated at rates between 3 to 12 cents per kWh, which can affect overall savings.
- Government incentives: The federal government offers incentives through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can cover up to 30% of installation costs.
- Payback period: The average payback period for solar installations in Ballarat ranges from 3.4 to 3.9 years
Energy Matters’ solar and battery installation services in Canberra
Energy Matters proudly serves Canberra by connecting homes and businesses with local and trusted installers. Our network of solar companies provides high-quality solar and battery installations, ensuring that residents and businesses can benefit from solar technology tailored to Canberra’s unique environment.
- Solar panel installation: With extensive knowledge of solar panel installation Canberra, Energy Matters connects you with installers who will provide expert consultations to identify the most effective systems, allowing customers to benefit from Canberra’s abundant sunlight and achieve maximum energy savings.
- Battery storage solutions: Offering advanced storage solutions from a range of quality manufacturers, Our installers help our customers enhance their solar installation Ballarat setup with reliable backup options.
- Ongoing support and maintenance: Support and maintenance services ensure that solar system installation Canberra customers can rely on their systems year-round, optimising efficiency and performance.
- Financing options and incentives: Our network of installers offers flexible financing and guides home and business owners through local rebate options, making solar installations Canberra accessible to more residents.
Energy Matters is here to help you find the best solar system installation company in Canberra.
Energy efficient upgrades
Saving on your energy bills goes deeper than just solar and battery storage. Upgrading your home appliances can see significant reductions in your bills and your environmental impact. Here are just some of the energy efficiency upgrades you can make in your home and business:
- Hot water system: Solar hot water systems and heat pumps
- Energy and water-efficient appliances: Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and air conditioners
- Electronics: LED lighting and smart home monitoring
