Industry Data
Australian Solar Statistics & Industry Data
Australia leads the world in rooftop solar adoption with 44% of homes now powered by solar. Explore the latest installation numbers, state-by-state data, battery adoption rates, and industry trends.
12 min read
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Rooftop solar adoption
Australia has the highest rate of rooftop solar adoption in the world. The average system size has grown to 6.8kW as panel prices have dropped and homeowners seek to maximise their investment.
273K+
New installations
6.8 kW
Up from 6.8kW in 2020
10.3M
In CER/ABS dataset
#1
World leader in rooftop solar per capita
Historical installation milestones
State-by-state solar data
Solar adoption varies significantly across Australia. South Australia leads in household penetration while Queensland dominates in total installations.
| State | Installations | Capacity | Household Penetration |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD Most installations | 1.2M+ | 8.2 GW | 59% |
| NSW Highest capacity | 1.2M+ | 8.7 GW | 37% |
| VIC Strong growth | 907K+ | 6.0 GW | 34% |
| WA Strong growth | 585K+ | 3.4 GW | 54% |
| SA Highest penetration | 466K+ | 3.1 GW | 60% |
| ACT Policy leader | 69K+ | 0.5 GW | 38% |
| TAS Growing market | 68K+ | 0.4 GW | 27% |
| NT Highest sun hours | 26K+ | 0.2 GW | 32% |
Source: Clean Energy Regulator postcode data (2,809 postcodes), ABS Census 2021. Last updated: October 2026.
Battery storage boom
The federal Cheaper Home Batteries rebate program launched in July 2025 has sharply lifted battery adoption. Over 165,000 batteries were installed in the first 6 months alone.
- Increase since July 2025 rebate
- 530%
- Batteries installed in 6 months post-rebate
- 165,979
- Cumulative battery installations
- 271,000+
- Of new solar installs include battery
- 28.4%
Federal battery rebate impact
The ~$258/kWh rebate (approximately 30% of battery cost) has made batteries economically viable for most households. Source: Clean Energy Regulator, Solar Calculator.
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Financial returns
Solar remains one of the best household investments in Australia with typical payback periods of 3 to 4 years and ongoing savings for 20+ years.
Average savings (solar)
$1,500/year
Based on 6.8kW system with 30% self-consumption
With battery
$2,500 to $3,000/year
80 to 90% self-consumption with 10kWh battery
Typical payback
3 to 4 years
For solar system after rebates
Current STC rebate
~$1,600
For 6.6kW system (varies by location)
Return on investment
A typical 6.6kW solar system costs $5,500 to $8,000 after the federal STC rebate. With annual savings of $1,500+, most systems pay for themselves within 3 to 4 years and continue generating free electricity for 20 to 25 years.
- 25-year panel warranties standard
- 10 to 15 year inverter warranties
- Increases property value by 3 to 4%
2030 outlook
Australia is on track to exceed its renewable energy targets with rooftop solar playing a central role in the energy transition.
Rooftop target
2030 projection
36 GW
Currently at 30.6 GW (85% of target)
Renewable target
National goal
82%
Of electricity from renewables by 2030
2050 projection
Long-term forecast
53 to 71 GW
Rooftop solar capacity projected by 2050
Key trends shaping the future
Battery integration
Expected 50%+ of new solar installations to include batteries by 2028
EV charging
Solar + EV combinations creating virtual fuel independence
Virtual Power Plants
Aggregated home batteries becoming significant grid resource
Smart grids
Two-way energy flow enabling better grid management
Sources
The next step
If you're considering solar panels or batteries for your home, Andy and the team can match you with one Why Solar Approved installer near you for a free written quote, and fifteen minutes with a solar expert before you sign.
Written by
Solar Installer Partner Relations
Connects homeowners with trusted, vetted solar installers across Australia. Andy works directly with installation companies to ensure quality standards and helps homeowners through the quoting process.
If you have any questions about the information in this guide, email andy@whysolar.com.au or call +61 2 5657 6527.