Australia’s ongoing struggle with climate change and evolving environmental demands highlights the need for a greater commitment to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy.

In recent years, more and more Australian households, businesses, and even governments have begun to embrace solar energy.

That’s why Australia’s solar industry is set for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.

In this blog, we’ll look at where the solar energy industry is at right now in Australia, discuss the trends that are influencing its future, and speculate on what the future holds for this dynamic and rapidly developing industry.

Solar energy offers Australians a great chance to reduce their environmental footprint while still having access to reliable, inexpensive energy for their homes, offices, and transportation.

In this piece, we’ll examine the current landscape and future forecast about solar energy in Australia to see how it may help Australians transition to a more sustainable lifestyle.

We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using renewable energy sources like wind and biomass, as well as concrete actions you can take right now to help speed up the shift from dirty fossil fuels to renewables like solar electricity.

Australian Solar Energy

In Australia, the pursuit of solar power has been long and tough. Since the 1950s, the world’s sunniest country has been at the forefront of solar energy study and development. When the first solar water heater was introduced, it caused quite a stir.

There wouldn’t have been an end to the oil spill of 1973 without this discovery. When the price of fossil fuels skyrocketed, energy was a scarce and expensive resource.

The Australian people learned from this that they should not rely on other countries to provide for their basic needs.

In turn, solar energy has exploded in popularity ever since. As of 31st January 2022, 30 per cent of Australian households will still have roof solar PV.

Every Australian enjoys the benefits of the solar sector, from comfortable homes and clean drinking water to cutting-edge communication networks and steamy hot showers.

The renewable energy industry has gone a long way, and it will continue to skyrocket if its achievement is gauged by the increasing number of buildings that install solar panels.

Solar energy (sunlight) can create heat or electricity for air, water, or other fluids. Two major categories of solar power systems exist today:

• Transforming solar heat into usable thermal energy is known as solar thermal (heat). Direct use, space heating, and power generation via steam and turbines are all popular ways in which thermal energy transported through air, water, or even other fluid is put to use. To heat water, many people turn to solar thermal systems. Concentrating solar power, another name for solar thermal electricity is often built with massive power plants in mind.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology uses photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into power. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are flexible enough to be used at any scale, from home installations to massive power plants producing hundreds of megawatts. Concentrating lenses or mirrors can be used with PV systems to generate massive amounts of centralised power.

Combining solar thermal & PV technology into a single platform can provide heat and energy.

Why Is Solar Energy So Popular In Australia?

The use of solar energy by Australian households, businesses, and even governments has skyrocketed in recent years.

The widespread adoption of solar power in Australia can be attributed to a number of factors, including favourable climatic conditions, generous government subsidies, and an increasing awareness of the importance of protecting the environment.

Australia’s government subsidies are helping to increase the country’s solar energy market share. The Australian government has instituted a number of policies to promote the use of renewable energy, such as solar power.

The Renewable Energy Target is one of the most important of these laws, as it seeks to have 33,000 GWh (gigawatt hours) of Australia’s electricity come from renewable energy sources by the year 2020.

In addition, the government provides rebates and feed-in tariffs to further incentivize the installation of solar panels in homes and businesses.

The abundance of sunlight in Australia is also a contributing factor to the sector’s growth in the country. There are more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year in most parts of Australia, making it one of the sunniest countries in the world.

With the ability to produce substantial amounts of electricity even on cloudy days, solar power is an ideal energy source.

Not only is air conditioning a necessity due to the scorching heat in many parts of Australia, but the peak demand for electricity occurs in the middle of the day, when the sun is at its peak intensity. This is an ideal time for solar panels to generate electricity.

Australians’ increasing concern for the environment is also a factor in the sector’s meteoric rise in popularity.

Many Australians are looking for ways to lessen their impact on the environment by switching from their reliance on conventional fossil fuels.

Solar power is appealing to environmentalists because it is a renewable energy source that does not contribute to global warming.

The falling price of solar panels has also played a role in making solar energy more accessible to Australians.

The price of installing solar panels has dropped dramatically as a result of technological developments and rising demand.

This has lowered the price of solar power, making it more accessible to households and commercial enterprises.

As a conclusion, solar energy is widely adopted in Australia due to a number of factors including government incentives, abundant sunlight, environmental awareness, and decreasing costs.

It is anticipated that solar power will play an increasingly important role in helping Australia meet its energy needs in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner as the country continues its transition away from traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources.

Australia’s solar business sector is flourishing. Renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, has caught the attention of investors.

It’s an exciting moment to be in business, not just in the solar sector. It’s obvious that everyone wants to get to zero emissions by 2050, but here’s the catch: To achieve net zero by 2050, Australia would need 1.9TW additional solar PV.

Can it be done? Statewide targets for using renewable energy sources like solar power help propel the industry forward.

Incentives are provided by states to companies that have achieved their emission reduction targets.

The recent high popularity of solar panels tilted the scales of economies of scale, lowering the unit cost. In other words, everyone is working together to make sure people have access to healthy air.

What Is The Projected Growth Rate Of The Solar Industry?

Government policies, technological advances, and rising demand for renewable energy sources are all expected to contribute to the solar industry’s rapid expansion in Australia over the coming years.

From 11.1 GW in 2019, the capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Australia is projected to increase to between 22 GW and 50 GW by 2040, as reported by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Increased solar installation is largely attributable to the Australian government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) policy, which calls for 33,000 GWh of renewable energy to be produced by 2020.

It is anticipated that the government’s recent announcement of a new plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 will provide additional support for the expansion of the solar industry.

Growth in the solar industry is anticipated to be spurred by both government policies and technological developments, such as advancements in solar panel efficiency and storage capacities.

The industry is predicted to continue growing in the coming years due to the rising demand for renewable energy from consumers and businesses.

The outlook for Australia’s solar industry is promising, with rapid expansion anticipated over the coming years.

About 3-4% of the world’s electricity, and 15% in Australia, comes from solar power. Yet, that is only the beginning.

So that we can mitigate the warming effects of fossil fuel emissions, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) proposes raising the target to 50 per cent.

The need for electricity in developing countries will drive rapid expansion of the solar industry. While looking at sustainable energy sources, solar is the most viable option for the future (i.e., wind energy, geothermal energy, and hydroelectric energy).

It’s a good choice because of how cheap it is, how easy it is to go to, how much storage space it provides, and how efficiently it operates.

Solar Energy Resources And Production In Australia

As a result, Australia is home to some of the world’s finest solar energy resources, as the continent boasts the highest radiation from the sun per sq meter of any continent.

The arid areas in the continent’s northwest and central regions receive the most sunlight.

An Australian Effective Energy Assessment details Australia’s energy reserves, including solar energy reserves, and the factors influencing the development and adaptation of Australia’s various energy resources until 2030.

Australia’s annual solar radiation averages 58 million PJ, roughly 10,000 times larger than the country’s annual energy consumption. However, only about 0.1% of Australia’s total use of primary energy comes from solar power. Solar water heating is the primary application of solar energy.

Off-grid electricity generation from solar PV systems is a crucial component in many developing countries.

Government policies, especially this same Renewable Energy Target, as well as the growth of photovoltaic and concentrating solar thermal innovations through extensive research and development programmes, have all contributed to an increase in the nation’s overall electricity production in recent years.

The Australian government has pledged $1.5 billion towards the development and demonstration of a maximum of four huge solar energy plants in Australia, utilising solar thermal & PV technologies as part of the Clean Energy Action plan Solar Flagships Program, which is administered by the Department of Resources, Energy, and Tourism.

Creating a solar energy production capacity of up to 1 GW is one of the government’s main goals.

To aid the solar industry and the research community, Geoscience Australia contributes to this programme by collecting and analysing data on the competitiveness of solar resource prospects.

The initial goals of this project were to enhance the Bureau of Meteorology’s solar insolation data collection, expand the Bureau’s solar monitoring base station network, and upgrade the satellite models used in tandem with the ground stations.

What Does The Future Of Solar Energy Look Like?

Over three decades have passed since UNSW professor Martin Green invented PV cells with a 20% efficiency for converting sunlight to energy.

Nowadays, panel efficiency is between 23% and 24%. And currently, over 70% of Australian homes use solar energy.

The lack of year-round availability, high costs of capital, and lack of available components for PV cells pose the greatest threat to the future of solar energy.

For this reason, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has provided $45 million in funding to the Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for over eight years.

Researchers can use this money to improve the efficiency and longevity of solar cells made from common, inexpensive metals. By 2030, the target is mass-produced solar cells with a 30% efficiency level for 30 cents per watt.

If you’re looking for a place with high solar radiation per sq.m and excellent solar energy resources, look no further than Australia.

Both the state and federal governments have made promises towards renewable energy, and there is no doubt that solar will play a significant role in Australia’s energy future.

As renewable energy sources replace coal, gas, or uranium exports, Australia will become a global leader in the clean energy sector.

When including installations of all sizes, solar accounts for 38.1 per cent of Australia’s renewable energy output. The sunshine state of Queensland ranks dead last in the nation regarding using renewable energy.

The Queensland Government stated in July 2022 that 21.4% of our energy comes from renewable sources.

As the state and federal governments plan to invest in renewable power, solar will become increasingly important. Our land boasts some of the world’s top solar energy resources due to the most sun radiation per sq meter of any continent.

There’s no doubt that the amount of sunlight available in Australia will influence the kinds of renewable energy technologies that are adopted by residents and businesses alike.

FAQs About The Future of Solar Energy in Australia

What is the current state of solar energy in Australia?

With more and more Australian households, businesses, and even governments switching to solar power, the country’s solar industry has exploded in recent years.

What are the factors driving the growth of the solar industry in Australia?

Government policies, technological developments, and rising demand for renewable energy sources are all contributing to Australia’s solar industry’s explosive expansion.

What policies are in place to support the growth of solar energy in Australia?

Including the Renewable Energy Target (RET) policy and a new plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the Australian government has implemented a number of policies to support the growth of the solar industry.

What technological advancements are expected to drive growth in the solar industry in Australia?

It is anticipated that advancements in solar panel efficiency and storage capacities will propel the development of Australia’s solar industry.

What is the outlook for the future of solar energy in Australia?

The solar energy market in Australia is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years. The Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts that the country’s solar photovoltaic (PV) system capacity will grow from 11.1 GW in 2019 to between 22 GW and 50 GW by 2040. (AEMO).

Conclusion

Australia has increased its commitment to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, as a means of combating climate change and meeting shifting environmental demands.

This blog will take a look at the current state of solar energy in Australia, as well as its projected future growth, discuss the trends that are shaping the industry’s future, and offer some predictions about its potential.

Also covered will be the pros and cons of switching from polluting fossil fuels to cleaner alternatives like solar power, as well as immediate steps you can take to hasten the process.

Australia’s favourable climate, large government subsidies, and growing environmental consciousness have all contributed to the country’s widespread adoption of solar energy.

Solar thermal electricity, also known as concentrating solar power, is typically implemented in the form of large power plants.

The Australian government has announced a new plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, which will provide additional support for the expansion of the solar industry, and the Renewable Energy Target (RET) policy, which mandates the production of 33,000 GWh of renewable energy by 2020.

Australia has some of the world’s best solar energy resources because it receives the most sunlight per square metre of any continent.

The solar energy sector in Australia is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.

As part of its Clean Energy Action plan, the Australian government has committed $1.5 billion to the construction and demonstration of four large solar energy plants that will employ solar thermal and PV technologies.

Contributions from Geoscience Australia to this programme include the collection and analysis of data on the viability of solar resource prospects from a business and economics perspective.

Over 70% of Australian homes now use solar energy; this is a result of the invention of PV cells with a 20% efficiency by UNSW professor Martin Green more than three decades ago.

The Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been awarded $45 million by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to increase the efficiency and durability of solar cells fabricated from common, inexpensive metals.

The goal is to have mass-produced, 30%-efficient solar cells for $30/watt by 2030. Australia receives more sunlight than any other continent per square metre.

This factor will play a role in determining which types of renewable energy technologies are most popular with locals and businesses.

Content Summary

• Australia’s ongoing struggle with climate change and evolving environmental demands highlights the need for a greater commitment to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy.
• That’s why Australia’s solar industry is set for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.
• Combining solar thermal & PV technology into a single platform can provide heat and energy.
• The use of solar energy by Australian households, businesses, and even governments has skyrocketed in recent years.
• The falling price of solar panels has also played a role in making solar energy more accessible to Australians.
• Government policies, technological advances, and rising demand for renewable energy sources are all expected to contribute to the solar industry’s rapid expansion in Australia over the coming years.
• From 11.1 GW in 2019, the capacity of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Australia is projected to increase to between 22 GW and 50 GW by 2040, as reported by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
• Increased solar installation is largely attributable to the Australian government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) policy, which calls for 33,000 GWh of renewable energy to be produced by 2020.
• It is anticipated that the government’s recent announcement of a new plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 will provide additional support for the expansion of the solar industry.
• The industry is predicted to continue growing in the coming years due to the rising demand for renewable energy from consumers and businesses.
• The outlook for Australia’s solar industry is promising, with rapid expansion anticipated over the coming years.
• About 3-4% of the world’s electricity, and 15% in Australia, comes from solar power.
• Australia is home to some of the world’s finest solar energy resources, as the continent boasts the highest radiation from the sun per sq meter of any continent.
• The Australian government has pledged $1.5 billion towards the development and demonstration of a maximum of four huge solar energy plants in Australia, utilising solar thermal & PV technologies as part of the Clean Energy Action plan Solar Flagships Program, which is administered by the Department of Resources, Energy, and Tourism.
• Creating a solar energy production capacity of up to 1 GW is one of the government’s main goals.
• To aid the solar industry and the research community, Geoscience Australia contributes to this programme by collecting and analysing data on the competitiveness of solar resource prospects.
• The initial goals of this project were to enhance the Bureau of Meteorology’s solar insolation data collection, expand the Bureau’s solar monitoring base station network, and upgrade the satellite models used in tandem with the ground stations.
• And currently, over 70% of Australian homes use solar energy.
• The lack of year-round availability, high costs of capital, and lack of available components for PV cells pose the greatest threat to the future of solar energy.
• For this reason, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has provided $45 million in funding to the Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for over eight years.
• Researchers can use this money to improve the efficiency and longevity of solar cells made from common, inexpensive metals.
• By 2030, the target is mass-produced solar cells with a 30% efficiency level for 30 cents per watt.
• Both the state and federal governments have made promises towards renewable energy, and there is no doubt that solar will play a significant role in Australia’s energy future.
• As renewable energy sources replace coal, gas, or uranium exports, Australia will become a global leader in the clean energy sector.
• When including installations of all sizes, solar accounts for 38.1 per cent of Australia’s renewable energy output.
• The sunshine state of Queensland ranks dead last in the nation regarding using renewable energy.
• As the state and federal governments plan to invest in renewable power, solar will become increasingly important.
• Our land boasts some of the world’s top solar energy resources due to the most sun radiation per sq meter of any continent.