Queensland Solar Reaches New Record

Queensland’s transition from the Sunshine State to the Solar State continues to reach new milestones, Energy Minister Mark Bailey said today.

“As of the end of March, Queensland now has more than 1500 megawatts of installed solar generation capacity, which equates to more than half a million rooftops,” he said.

“That means that solar is now generating enough electricity to effectively make it the second largest power station in Queensland.”

Mr Bailey said it also means Queensland is now more than half-way towards the Palaszczuk Government’s 2020 solar target of 3000 megawatts.

“This milestone sees Queensland continue to demonstrate its world leading credentials in the uptake of Solar Photovoltaics (PV),” he said.

“Our state already has one of the highest uptake of residential rooftop solar panels in the world, and more Queenslanders continue to jump on board.

“30 per cent of all detached homes in South East Queensland now have a solar system installed. Not only that, system sizes are increasing as businesses start to take up the opportunities that solar offers.

“There is strong potential for future growth in emerging sectors, especially as battery storage systems enter the market and product costs continue to fall.”

Mr Bailey said customers are installing smaller scale solar at a rate of approximately 1 panel a minute.

“Couple that with Queensland’s impressive pipeline of proposed large scale solar PV projects and the state is well on its way 2020 solar target of one million solar rooftops, or 3000 megawatts of solar generation capacity,” he said.

“This is all part of our Government’s election commitment to invigorate the state’s renewable energy sector.

“We will continue to boost investment in renewables as we play our part in addressing climate change, and creating jobs now and into the future.”

ENDS

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                                Amy Hunter               3719 7324