The Australian rooftop solar market has hit a new high this year with the addition of 279 megawatts (MW) of capacity in November alone – marking its highest level ever. This surge follows three consecutive months of growth and is driven largely by the federal government’s Cheaper Home Batteries rebate, which has seen over 100,000 batteries installed since July.
Key Takeaways
- Australia saw a record-breaking 279 MW of new rooftop solar capacity in November.
- The Cheaper Home Batteries rebate has spurred over 124,000 battery installations by mid-November.
- Rooftop solar growth is broad-based and not just seasonal, suggesting sustained momentum.
November’s record-breaking month for rooftop solar comes as a surprise to many in the industry. After a year of ups and downs, this latest data shows that there’s still plenty of life left in Australia’s small-scale PV market. SunWiz managing director Warwick Johnston notes that this growth is broad-based rather than driven solely by seasonal factors.
The success of federal Labor’s Cheaper Home Batteries rebate has been a major factor in driving the uptake of home batteries and rooftop solar systems. With over 124,000 batteries installed representing 2.7 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of capacity by mid-November, it’s clear that households are embracing both solar panels and storage solutions to manage their energy needs more effectively.
Despite the focus on home battery installations, rooftop solar systems have continued to grow steadily throughout the year. All segments of the market saw growth in November, with the 30-50 kilowatt (kW) range leading the way. This indicates that homeowners are not just adding batteries but also upgrading their existing solar setups or installing new ones.
The Cheaper Home Batteries scheme has been instrumental in driving both battery and rooftop solar installations. The federal energy minister, Chris Bowen, marked the installation of 100,000 batteries in October, highlighting how quickly this rebate program has gained traction since its launch earlier this year. With around 3.9 GWh of usable capacity expected to be installed by the end of 2025, it’s clear that households are seeing real benefits from combining solar and battery technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much rooftop solar capacity was added in November?
A total of 279 megawatts (MW) of new rooftop solar capacity was registered across Australia in November.
What is the expected number of battery installations by year-end?
The Clean Energy Regulator expects around 175,000 valid batteries to be installed by the end of 2025, representing approximately 3.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of usable capacity.
As households continue to embrace both solar panels and home battery storage, it’s clear that Australia is leading the way in renewable energy adoption. With sustained growth in rooftop solar installations alongside rapid uptake of batteries, the future looks bright for those looking to reduce their electricity bills and carbon footprint.
