Solar uptake continues to grow

Queensland is leading the way in solar with one local business seeing a rapid rise in the uptake.

RAY OF SUNSHINE: With electricity prices forever rising, Solar Blessings has seen an upswing in business. Picture: File

QUEENSLAND is leading the way in solar with one local business seeing a rapid rise in the uptake.

The industry recently achieved a milestone, with the number of households utilising solar hitting two million nationwide.

Tim Hourigan, from Stanthorpe-based Solar Blessing, said it had been a busy year for them.

"Certainly from our side of things we've seen an increase in the uptake of solar," Mr Hourigan said.

"We're getting a lot more inquiries as well for batteries, obviously with the Queensland scheme.

"We've had a really good year this year and it continues to grow."

Despite changes to the rebate scheme, people are undeterred.

"At the moment the cost of systems is still coming down.

"Electricity prices keep going up so those who can afford to do it still see a sound financial investment, especially commercial businesses.

"Solar is not going anywhere that's for sure," Mr Hourigan said.

Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton said homes with rooftop solar installed were saving on average about $540 per year on their electricity bills.

"Solar is a clear way for consumers to take control of their power consumption and cut costs."

Queensland continues to lead the nation in rooftop solar, with four of the nation's top five solar postcodes, one being Toowoomba, hailing from the Sunshine State.

"An average of six panels per minute are being installed in Australia, with the Australian Energy Market Operator estimating an average of 10-20 panels per minute if large-scale solar projects are factored in."