Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roofs of homes and businesses use energy from the sun to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. The conversion of sunlight into electricity takes place in cells of specially fabricated semiconductor crystals. Solar PV generates electricity only during the day, when there is sunlight, and generates electricity when it is needed most – during the day and during hot sunny periods when the demand for power (driven by air conditioners) is at its peak. Another advantage of residentlal solar PV is that it generates electricity at the point of demand (i.e. where people live and or work). Australia is one of the sunniest continents in the world. Given a stable policy environment, there is big potential for solar to make a significant contribution to electricity generation in Australia over the coming decades.
Australia has the highest uptake of solar globally, with around 30% of homes with rooftop solar PV. We have more than 3 million rooftop solar PV systems have been installed across Australia. Solar PV systems produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. Excess electricity can be directed into the grid (delivering a feed-in payment), or it can be stored in a rechargeable battery for later use. Batteries can also provide back-up power in the event of blackouts. Solar generation
In 2020, small-scale solar (systems up to 100 kW) was responsible for 23.5 per cent of Australia’s clean energy generation and produced 6.5 per cent of the country’s total electricity.