Next month, the 20 gigawatts of power generated by 3.4 million rooftop solar panels will officially surpass coal as the nation’s top power source.
This is according to a new analysis by solar industry consultancy SunWiz, who notes that next-month’s shutdown of Liddell Power Station in Muswellbrook will be the tipping point.
“When the Liddell coal-fired power station closes in April 2023, rooftop solar alone will generate more power than the remaining coal-fired power stations operating across the country, making rooftop solar the largest power generator,” said Warwick Johnson, managing director of SunWiz.
Prices for solar increased in 2022, the first year this has occurred – although Johnson said this won’t slow installation rates.
“Obviously people try to tighten their purse strings when they have less available money, but by the same token financed solar systems actually increases your disposable income,” Johnson said.
“It’s a great place to get ahead. It’s not recession-proof, but the return on investment is strong as electricity bills increase.
“Consumer sentiment is strong. The outlook for this year is one of growth for the rooftop solar industry.”
31 per cent of dwellings nationally have solar roof panels installed. South Australia leads the country, percentagewise, with 45 per cent of dwellings having solar panels
