Why 2017’s rooftop record is set to be “smashed”
Australia’s rooftop PV market has never been stronger. After a record-setting 2017, in which over 1.08 GW of rooftop PV was installed, 2018 is set to see that score surpassed at worst and “smashed” at best. Underpinning the world-leading distributed market segment is the perfect storm of five factors, combining to drive residential and C&I solar adoption.
2017: Australia installs over 1 GW of small-scale PV in record-breaking year
STC registrations reveal that 1.08 GW of residential PV and small-scale C&I solar was installed in 2017. The figure surpasses the previous record of 944 MW, which was achieved in 2012 when high feed-in tariffs drove demand.
Australia approaching two million rooftop PV systems
Data from the Clean Energy Regulator shows that Australia is nearing two million installed rooftop PV systems, having reached 1,778,687 as of the beginning of December 2017.
Rapid large scale solar segment growth potential risk to quality
The rapid build out of a large pipeline of utility scale PV projects around Australia could stretch the experienced installation labour force, threatening quality. Solar industry veteran and the Managing Director of PI Berlin Lars Podlowski made the warning as the company expands into Australia through its acquisition of quality assurance provider SolarBuyer.
CRC-P awards $8.34 million for three green projects
Under the Cooperative Research Center Program 4th Selection Round, the Australian Federal Government will extend a grant for a smart home energy management system. Other awarded green projects involve an energy storage technology alternative for lithium-ion batteries and innovative generation of low cost, zero-emission, reliable electricity.
November’s rooftop record, large C&I, storage still to come
A major milestone was surpassed in the Australian PV market last month, indicating that the rooftop solar sector is in robust health. However, not tracked in the figures underlying the record are large commercial rooftops and distributed battery storage, and reports are that here too strong growth is being achieved.
European PV market expected to grow by 35% in 2018 – GTM Research
European countries such as France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain are all forecast to be gigawatt-scale markets in 2018. Globally, around 606 GW of new PV capacity is forecast to be installed between 2017 and 2022.
Leading solar, storage bodies combine to form Smart Energy Council
The Smart Energy Council, a merger of Australia’s leading industry bodies for solar and storage, will be looking to better reflect the country’s energy future.
Horizon Power to shave peak with MyPower, opportunity for batteries
Western Australian regional utility Horizon Power is rolling out a new program to incentivize consumers to reduce their consumption during peak hours. The higher fixed tariff may penalize solar homes; however, it does presents an opportunity for battery storage.
ARENA grants $1.9 million for distributed energy trials in WA
Western Australia’s electricity provider Horizon Power is set to receive a financial shot in the arm to install various distributed energy technologies in 90 homes and businesses in the coastal town of Carnarvon, which is home to the state’s first utility-scale energy storage, currently under trial.
