It’s official: Queensland’s combined solar panel generation now produces twice as much electricity as its biggest coal-fired power station.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said rooftops and solar farms together had just passed the 4,000MW milestone for generating capacity.
The state has eight coal-fired power stations, the biggest being in Gladstone. Its 1,680MW of capacity is due to be retired from the energy grid in 2032.
Sunshine State weathers solar cloud
The news comes after the Sunshine State weathered a solar cloud earlier this year.
In May, the Queensland Government was at loggerheads with the solar industry as it tried to amend solar farm installation rules.
The proposed changes to allow only qualified electricians to handle and mount solar panels were rejected on appeal by the supreme court.
Industry argued that asking licensed electricians to do the work of labourers and trades assistants was inconsistent with the Electrical Safety Act.
Half a million Queenslanders can’t be wrong
Lynham said more than 560,000 Queensland dwellings now have solar systems and 30 solar farms across the state are generating power. Queensland boasts six of the top ten solar postcodes in Australia.
The Queensland Government says its solar interest-free loans and battery rebate scheme are driving the change.
Statistics show that so far 2,500 households and small businesses have installed a battery storage system. A further 1,500 applications have been approved before the scheme closes in mid-2020.
“Queenslanders are embracing solar energy because they know that solar reduces power bills and carbon emissions,” Lynham said.
Lynham said Queensland is on track to achieve its 50% renewable energy target by 2030 and is forecast to hit 20% next year.
From April-June, Queenslanders installed 17,836 rooftop solar systems, followed by NSW (17,772) and Victoria (16,394).
If you would like to take advantage of solar power speak to Solaray’s energy experts. By filling out the form below you can start the process of adding solar to your home or business, and begin saving on your power bills.
Image: Gladstone Power Station
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