Australia installed its highest ever number of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in 2020, according to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Chief Executive of CSIRO, Larry Marshall said data from the Clean Energy Regulator, analysed by CSIRO, showed that in 2020 over 362,000 rooftop solar PV installations were issued with small-scale renewable energy scheme certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
“This is an increase of 28 per cent from 2019, when 283,991 installations were issued STCs,” Dr Marshall said.
“Science has made renewables cost competitive with conventional power, letting market forces take over to drive a global transition to lower emissions,” he said.
“Australia’s solar advantage creates an economic opportunity for us on the world stage and an environmental benefit for the globe – even better when it’s powered by Australian science and research.”
Dr Marshall said the States with the highest number of solar PV systems installed last year were New South Wales, with 108,922; Queensland, 86,912; Victoria, 71,798; Western Australia, 47,653; and South Australia, 35,599.
He said that as of 31 December, a total of more than 2.68 million rooftop solar power systems had been installed in Australia.
“That means one in four homes have solar panels on their roof,” Dr Marshall said.
