Rooftop solar PV installations grew 18% in Australia in 2020 despite the impacts of COVID-19, with Victoria in particular seeing a “spectacular comeback”.
The Queensland government has repeated a pledge to invest hundreds of millions of Australian dollars in the development of state-owned solar and wind farms in its latest budget, drawing criticism from environmental campaigners.
The Australian state of Victoria has doubled down on its rooftop solar and home battery subsidy programme as part of a drive to help households cover the cost of their power bills while making properties more energy efficient.
The cost-effectiveness of solar panels as well as new technology that allows households to sell surplus power to the grid will both be explored under two separate initiatives announced by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
New guidelines come as stampede for state's newly-revamped PV subsidy scheme sees it again oversubscribed in "minutes", prompting industry frustration.
State-backed rooftop solar rebates of up to AU$2,225 will be released fortnightly after prior monthly cycles drew industry protests over 'boom-bust' dynamic.
The Victoria government has released new planning guidelines for large-scale solar farms to ease tensions between solar developers and local communities, but they are yet to come into effect.
Victorian court VCAT cites bushfires and water drainage concerns and urges project's backers – Infinergy and the McArthur family – to submit fresh application.
