STATE-BY-STATE GUIDE

Solar Opportunities Across
Every Australian State

Each state has its own incentive programs, planning frameworks, grid zones and market conditions. Explore what's available where you are.

Australia is the World Solar Leader

41.8 GWTotal installed solar capacity (June 2025)
4.16M+Solar PV installations nationwide
19.6%Share of electricity from solar in NEM (2024)
1.4 kWHighest per capita solar capacity in the world
$22.7BFederal clean energy investment 2024–25 budget
6.2 GWOperational utility-scale solar (plus 15GW pipeline)

Australia has the highest average solar radiation per square metre of any continent in the world — making it an exceptional environment for solar energy. Federal government incentives including Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs, phasing out 2030), the Cheaper Home Batteries Program (30% discount from July 2025), and the $1B Solar Sunshot program complement state-based rebates and schemes.

NSW
New South Wales
Solar Farm Leader

NSW is Australia's most populous state and a leader in large-scale solar project development. With 16 major operational solar farms and active Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), NSW offers significant opportunities for solar farm developers, investors and landowners in regional areas.

Solar farms in NSW typically earn significantly more per MW than other states due to higher wholesale electricity prices and strong government support through Long Term Energy Service Agreements (LTESAs). The government's Emerging Energy Program and REZ infrastructure investment are driving a wave of new projects.

Key NSW REZs

Central-West Orana REZ

Australia's first declared REZ. Massive solar and wind resource with transmission upgrades underway.

New England REZ

Home to the 720MW+ New England Solar project. ACEN Australia's LTESA secured for 20 years.

South West REZ

Darlington Point (275MW) and Limondale (250MW) already operational. More capacity in pipeline.

Hunter-Central Coast REZ

Industrial hub transitioning to renewable energy. Battery + solar hybrid opportunities.

Get NSW Solar Advice
QLD
Queensland
Highest Solar Installations

Queensland has the highest number of solar installations in Australia due to its tropical and subtropical climate delivering exceptional solar irradiance. With over 2GW of utility-scale solar operational and 12 potential REZ locations identified, Queensland offers outstanding opportunities at every scale.

The Queensland Government has identified REZ locations across Southern, Central, North and Far North Queensland regions, with the Central Queensland REZ making the most progress. Key projects include the Western Downs Green Power Hub (400MW) and the massive Clarke Creek solar and wind project.

QLD Opportunities

Western Downs Green Power Hub

400MW solar farm powering ~235,000 homes. Stage 2 battery project under construction for 2026.

Central Queensland REZ

Most advanced QLD REZ with community sessions completed 2024. Significant solar capacity expected.

Kidston Solar Project

50MW on former gold mine site, combined with pumped hydro storage — a model for hybrid projects.

Agrivoltaics

QLD's tropical climate and cattle/crop farming create exceptional agrisolar dual-use opportunities.

Get QLD Solar Advice
VIC
Victoria
Strongest Consumer Incentives

Victoria offers the richest suite of consumer solar incentives in Australia through its Solar Homes Program and Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. The state has set ambitious renewable energy targets and is developing renewable energy sites across regional Victoria, creating opportunities for developers and investors.

Solar Homes Program

Up to $1,400 rebate for solar PV + interest-free loans. Applies to owner-occupiers and rental properties.

Battery Loans

Interest-free loans up to $8,800 for home battery storage over 4 years. Income threshold applies.

VEU Program

Victorian Energy Upgrades program covering heat pumps, solar hot water and energy efficiency upgrades.

Feed-In Tariff

Minimum FiT set by Essential Services Commission. Compare retailer offers for best rates.

Large-Scale Opportunities

Victoria's Renewable Energy Action Plan targets 95% renewable electricity by 2035. The state is advancing offshore wind and large-scale solar developments. Regional Victoria offers excellent solar resources with lower land costs than coastal areas.

SA
South Australia
National Solar Leader

South Australia is Australia's most advanced renewable energy state. It leads the nation in per capita household solar take-up and has pioneered grid-scale battery storage through projects like the Hornsdale Power Reserve. With approximately 2GW of solar capacity and 6GW in the pipeline, SA is a hotbed of solar activity.

SA's electricity network is increasingly powered by solar and wind, requiring sophisticated battery storage and demand management solutions. This creates opportunities in both generation and storage sectors.

Bungala Solar Farm

275MW near Port Augusta. One of Australia's largest operational solar farms. Contracted with Origin Energy.

6GW in Pipeline

SA has the highest ratio of pipeline to operational capacity — extraordinary development opportunity.

Concession Solar

Concession card holders can swap 10 years of energy concessions for a 4.4kW solar system.

City of Adelaide

Sustainability grants for renewable energy projects, energy upgrades and water conservation initiatives.

Get SA Solar Advice
WA
Western Australia
Highest Solar Irradiance

Western Australia has some of the world's highest solar irradiance, particularly in the Pilbara and Midwest regions. WA operates on a separate grid system (SWIS — South West Interconnected System) managed by AEMO, creating a unique market environment. The proposed Asian Renewable Energy Hub (26GW solar + wind for green hydrogen) exemplifies WA's extraordinary solar ambitions.

WA Battery Scheme (July 2025)

Up to $5,000 rebate for Synergy customers, up to $7,500 for Horizon Power customers. 20,000 rebates available.

No-Interest Loans

Up to $10,000 no-interest loans available alongside battery rebates for low-to-middle income households.

Asian Renewable Energy Hub

Proposed 26GW combined solar/wind for green hydrogen export. One of the world's largest renewable energy projects.

Remote Community Solar

Horizon Power delivering solar and battery to over 30 remote Aboriginal communities across WA.

Get WA Solar Advice
TAS
Tasmania
Hydro + Solar Hybrid

Tasmania is Australia's most renewable energy state by share of generation — primarily through its extensive hydroelectric system. Solar complements hydro by reducing reliance on freshwater resources during daylight hours. Battery storage and solar-hydro hybrid opportunities are emerging as key investment themes.

Tasmania's connection to the mainland via the Basslink HVDC interconnector creates opportunities for solar energy export to Victoria during high-price periods. The proposed Marinus Link (second interconnector) will significantly increase this capacity.

Home Energy Support

Business Energy Efficiency Scheme for Tasmanian businesses. Plus national federal battery rebate applies.

Marinus Link

Second Bass Strait interconnector planned, creating massive renewable export capacity to mainland.

Battery + Solar Hybrid

Tasmania's unique hydro asset + solar creates exceptional opportunities for hybrid firming solutions.

Federal Programs

All national programs (STC, Cheaper Home Batteries, Community Solar Banks) fully available in Tasmania.

Get TAS Solar Advice
ACT
Australian Capital Territory
100% Renewable Target

The ACT government has achieved 100% renewable electricity through a combination of PPAs with large-scale generators, community solar and energy efficiency programs. The ACT remains committed to maintaining this status and expanding programs for households and businesses.

Sustainable Household Scheme

Zero-interest loans up to $15,000 for eligible households for solar, batteries, EVs and heat pumps.

Pensioner Solar

ACT gives pensioners up to 50% off rooftop solar panels with a cap of $2,500.

Home Energy Support

Rebates for energy efficiency upgrades including insulation, double glazing and solar panels.

Business EV Charger Rebates

ACT Business Electric Vehicle Charger Rebates for businesses installing EV charging infrastructure.

Get ACT Solar Advice
NT
Northern Territory
World-Class Solar Resource

The Northern Territory has the highest solar irradiance of any Australian state or territory — making it the prime location for large-scale solar development. Darwin receives an average of 8+ peak sun hours per day, far exceeding southern capitals. The NT is pioneering solar + battery systems for remote Aboriginal communities and emerging as a hub for green hydrogen ambitions.

The proposed Sun Cable project (now renamed) envisions massive solar arrays in the NT powering Singapore via undersea cable — testament to the Territory's extraordinary solar resource.

Remote Community Solar

30 solar concentrator dish power stations across NT remote communities. Ongoing expansion program.

Green Hydrogen

NT's irradiance and available land makes it Australia's premier green hydrogen production site.

Diesel Replacement

Off-grid solar + battery replacing expensive diesel generation across stations and communities.

Federal Programs

All national STC and battery rebate programs apply in the NT. Horizon Power-style remote energy support.

Get NT Solar Advice

Ready to Explore Your State's Opportunities?

Our state-specialist consultants know the local planning rules, grid conditions and market dynamics in your region.