Australia has reached a significant solar milestone with 25GW of solar now installed nationwide, and the country now boasting the most solar per capita in the world – according to new research from the Australian Photovoltaics Institute (APVI). 

Australia remains in the top ten countries worldwide for annual growth and total solar installations, due to the nationwide investment of over three million households and small businesses in rooftop solar, and a growing number of large-scale installations.

APVI Secretary, Renate Egan, said, “With a population of 25.7 million people, and at least 25.4GW of solar installed, Australia has now increased its leadership in

installed solar per capita, with close to 1kW per capita installed solar. Well ahead of the rest of the world.”

At the end of 2020, Australia had over 800W of solar installed per person – ahead of the next nearest nation, Germany with 650W per person. By the end of 2021, with 25GW of solar installed, Australia has nearly 1000W or 1kW per person.

“We have seen ongoing, strong growth in solar in Australia, with an astounding 25 per cent growth rate,” Ms Egan said.

“This is likely to increase Australia’s leadership in solar per capita, well ahead of other leading solar nations”.

Batteries to boost renewables 

Home batteries could help more Australians be able to embrace the benefits of renewable energy, like solar, as highlighted in Dr Helen Haines’s Cheaper Home Batteries Bill, said the Clean Energy Council (CEC).

Under Ms Haines’s plan, home batteries would be brought into the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), a policy that has enjoyed bi-partisan support and has played a critical role in the growth of clean energy in Australia.

The CEC’s newly released Roadmap for a Renewable Energy Future: Federal Election policy recommendations, also highlights the need for a household battery program.

Read More: https://www.energymagazine.com.au/australia-hits-massive-global-solar-milestone/