Unlocking Savings and Environmental Benefits
A recent report sheds light on Australia’s immense untapped potential in rooftop solar, revealing that the nation is missing out on cost savings amounting to $9.3 billion per year. The study, conducted by researchers from UNSW School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering in collaboration with the Australian Photovoltaic Institute, underscores the need for greater investment and policy support to harness this abundant renewable energy resource.
Vast Untapped Potential
Despite Australia’s status as a world leader in residential photovoltaic deployment, with rooftop solar installed in nearly one in three houses, significant segments of the population are excluded from reaping its benefits. The report identifies apartments, social housing, and rental houses as areas with substantial untapped potential for rooftop solar installation, presenting a staggering opportunity for both cost savings and environmental impact reduction.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The study reveals an estimated 61 gigawatts (GW) of rooftop solar potential across residential buildings in Australia, representing a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 785 megatonnes over the next two decades. Dr. Mike Roberts, a Senior Research Fellow at UNSW, emphasizes the potential for average annual household bill savings of $1,300 through rooftop solar adoption.
The report advocates for targeted incentives and policy interventions to address barriers to solar adoption in sectors such as social housing and rental properties. Recommendations include increased visibility of financial benefits for tenants, targeted subsidies for landlords, and rule changes to facilitate investment in rooftop solar.
Economic and Environmental Implications
In addition to household energy bill savings, closing the solar potential gap could generate 240,000 additional job-years of employment in the solar industry, stimulating economic growth and supporting thousands of jobs. Joel Pringle, National Campaigns Director at Solar Citizens, emphasizes the broader benefits of unlocking Australia’s rooftop solar potential, including substantial carbon emissions reductions and improved affordability for households facing rising energy costs.
As Australia grapples with energy affordability challenges and seeks to transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, investing in rooftop solar emerges as a clear solution. With significant economic, environmental, and social benefits at stake, policymakers are urged to prioritize supportive measures to maximize Australia’s solar energy potential and ensure equitable access for all households.
Source：miragenews.com
