The Australian government is increasing the installation cap permitted under its rooftops solar rebate scheme from 100 kW to 1 MW.
Australia’s Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced the country’s small-scale renewable energy scheme (SRES) will be expanded from 100 kW to 1 MW, saying it will address the “missing middle” in Australia’s energy transition.
“The missing middle is mid-scale solar,” the minister said in a statement. “One in three Australian homes have rooftop solar, but larger energy users have been locked out because the existing solar rebate only supports systems up to 100 kW. “
“We’re fixing that by expanding support to systems up to 1 MW, unlocking the potential of commercial rooftops and helping businesses cut power bills, invest in growth and create jobs.”
Australia stands out as a global leader in rooftop solar adoption, with panels now installed on about 40% of homes. Data from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) shows about 22 GW of residential solar has been installed across the country but businesses have only installed about 5.6 GW.
