Rooftop solar to be nation's largest energy generator

A new analysis of the Clean Energy Regulator's registry has revealed the country's solar power market has surpassed 20 gigawatts of capacity from more than 3.4 million systems on homes and businesses.

The report shows rooftop solar will generate more power than other coal-fired power stations once the Liddell power station in NSW closes in April.

Managing director of SunWiz Warwick Johnston, whose company carried out the analysis, said the rooftop solar industry had boomed in recent years.

"Australian rooftops now host over 20 gigawatts of solar power," he said.

"This is an immense amount that has been made possible due to millions of Australian households and businesses and supported by Australia's thriving solar industry.

"Australian solar power systems are more affordable than in any other country, so it's understandable that we lead the world in per-capita uptake of solar."

The report also found industrial solar systems and solar farms generated more than 11 gigawatts of capacity.

More than one-quarter of the 20 gigawatts of rooftop solar capacity came from Queensland properties, which generated 5.2 gigawatts, with the state soon set to reach one million installations.

Figures also showed NSW properties installed the most new solar systems, adding almost 100 megawatts of output per month, while SA homes had the greatest uptake, with 45 per cent of dwellings equipped with a solar system.

Nationally, almost one-third of homes have solar panels on their roof.

The report coincides with new figures from the federal government showing a 0.3 per cent rise in carbon emissions in the September quarter compared to the previous quarter.

In the year to September last year, emissions were 300,000 tonnes higher, or 0.1 per cent more compared to the same period in 2021.

Greenhouse gas emissions were down 21 per cent on June 2005 levels, the baseline for the country's Paris agreement targets.

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said there was a long road ahead to further reduce emissions.

"What we do between now and 2030 is vital - 2030 is 82 months away and Australia is well placed to achieve our climate targets if we all work together towards a common goal," he said.

"(The emissions) data is further proof that Australia needs ambitious but achievable reforms to drive emissions down and deliver certainty across the economy towards net zero by 2050."

Australian Associated Press