Installation of solar energy panels surge after SA blackouts

INSTALLATION of solar panels have surged in the wake of SA’s statewide blackout, and despite a cutback in customer tariffs, as homes and businesses take power security into their own hands.

INSTALLATION of solar panels have surged in the wake of SA’s statewide blackout, despite a cutback in customer tariffs, as homes and businesses take power security into their own hands.

Figures released by Solar Citizens shows SA spent about $23 million on panels in the final quarter of last year, a more-than 17 per cent jump compared with the same period in 2015.

In the second half of 2016, after an incident in July when volatile prices almost forced the temporary closure of some of SA’s biggest employers, 6424 solar systems were installed in the state.

That lifted the overall number of solar systems in SA to a huge 205,068.

At the same time, diesel generator sellers are reporting a huge surge in interest.

Solar Citizens SA campaigner Dan Spencer said households were clearly looking to panels as a technology that could bring down prices as well as add some backup to the grid.

“While politicians attacked SA’s clean energy leadership, South Australians took action at home,” he said.

“With solar and storage becoming cheaper and more affordable every day it’s no surprise that ordinary South Australians have looked to clean energy.”

The top five suburbs for solar installation since the blackout were located in regional or outer suburban areas with incomes below the SA average.

The regional suburb of Waitpinga led the way and was followed by Smithfield Plains, Salisbury North, Angas Plains and Morphett Vale.