Report – Solar Citizens, Australian PV Institute, 13 April 2024
The rooftop solar potential of Australian housing stock by tenure and dwelling type
Australia is a world-leader in residential photovoltaic deployment with rooftop solar installed in almost one in three houses. However, most of those houses are owner-occupier – meaning rental houses, apartment buildings and social housing are missing out on savings.
This study, commissioned by Solar Citizens, found total potential for rooftop solar installation is estimated at approximately 61 gigawatts (GW), which could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 785 megatonnes over the next 20 years.
The report found there is approximately 45.8 GW of unrealised potential solar energy on houses and apartments across the country – that’s three times the number of panels currently installed on roofs. The results also show New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have the highest share of this solar potential across the country.
With the surge in wholesale energy costs in Australia and subsequent increase in retail electricity prices putting more pressure on low-income households, installing more solar on social and community housing could help ease the financial burden of higher energy bills. The report recommends giving tenants increased visibility of the financial benefits of solar which could be reflected in their rental rates – allowing landlords to recoup their investment costs.
Read the full report here: 240414_FINAL_Rooftop_Solar_Potential_of_Australian_Housing_Stock_by_Tenure_and_Dwelling_Type-compressed.pdf (nationbuilder.com)
