Solar installations in Australia increased 10% during the second quarter of 2017 compared with Q1, according to the Australian Solar Council.
The total number of STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) created was 54% above Clean Energy Regulator targets.
Reports also show there were more than 16,000 SWH (solar water heater) and 41,500 solar power PV certificates created during the quarter.
In both cases the figures got a boost from the very high numbers of installations during the month of May.
Massive drop in price of STCs
Whether the growth pattern will continue is unknown. The trading price of solar rebate certificates fell by more than 32% during July in the space of a week.
In addition, while the number of STCs is up, some installers are in breach of the required standards.
The Clean Energy Regulator has taken steps to clamp down on the installation of unapproved panels. It has announced that non-compliant participants will be subject to enforcement action, such as surrendering STCs they were not entitled to create under RET.
Growth in line with Clean Energy Council’s predictions
The growth in solar fits with the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) positive predictions for 2017, as outlined in the ‘Clean Energy Australia’ 2016 report.
The report stated that household and commercial solar growth is steady, with the fastest-growing sector being commercial solar between 75 and 100 kW.
Renewables in general increased sharply during 2016, with small-scale solar PV accounting for 16% of renewable technology. Renewables also accounted for more than 17% of all electricity generation in Australia during the year.
Positive industry outlook for next three years
The industry outlook is positive for 2017-20 according to the CEC. This is because several state governments recognise the economic opportunities provided by RET (Renewable Energy Target).
Some of the more ambitious state targets include 100% of energy from renewables in the ACT by 2020, and 50% in Queensland by 2030.
During 2015-16, rooftop solar installations accounted for the highest number of renewable energy jobs across the country. RET is also expected to lead to the creation of considerable project and job opportunities during 2017.
