Record-Breaking Rooftop Solar Growth Australia in May 2025
Australia’s rooftop solar market experienced a remarkable boost in May 2025, adding 235 MW of new capacity. This surge marks the second-highest growth for the year and sets a new record for the number of systems installed in a single month. The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) reported that this expansion brings the total number of small-scale solar systems in Australia to over 4.9 million, with a total capacity of 16.3 GW. For further details, you can read more here.
The growth in May follows a strong start to the year, with 216 MW added in January, 226 MW in March, and 238 MW in April. The record-breaking installation of 49,616 systems in May highlights the increasing adoption of solar energy across the country. This trend is expected to continue, with the CER predicting that 2025 will be the first year to exceed 200,000 installations. Read more about the progress and projections.
Victoria and Western Australia Drive Rooftop Solar Growth Australia
Victoria led the way in May, adding 60 MW of rooftop solar, followed by Western Australia with 54 MW. Western Australia has been a consistent leader in small-scale solar installations, with over 1,000 MW added in the past 12 months. This growth reflects the state’s commitment to renewable energy and its efforts to reduce reliance on traditional power sources. Queensland and New South Wales also contributed significantly, adding 42 MW and 34 MW respectively.
The CER’s latest Quarterly Carbon Market Report (QCMR) for Q1 2025 notes that rooftop solar deployment has been stronger than expected, with the first four months of the year seeing over 900 MW of new capacity. If this trend continues, the total for 2025 could reach between 2,500 MW and 2,800 MW. Explore more on this trend.
Residential Batteries Boost Rooftop Solar Growth Australia
The adoption of residential batteries is also on the rise, with 25% of new rooftop solar systems now including battery installations. This percentage has steadily increased over the past two years, up from 21% in early 2024 and 14% in early 2023. The rising popularity of battery systems reflects growing consumer interest in energy storage solutions, particularly as prices begin to stabilize.
However, the report also highlights a decline in the average battery size, which has decreased from 9.6 kWh in Q1 2024 to 8.6 kWh in Q1 2025. This trend is attributed to the falling prices of smaller battery systems, which have become more affordable for consumers.
The CER’s report suggests that the growth in rooftop solar installations is likely to surpass its original estimate of 2,300 MW for 2025. The first quarter of the year alone saw 630 MW of new capacity, and the momentum has continued into the second quarter with 703 MW installed by the end of April.
Carbon Abatement Benefits from Rooftop Solar Growth Australia
The rapid expansion of rooftop solar is expected to have a significant impact on carbon abatement. The CER notes that the number of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) created under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) has increased by 23% compared to the same period last year. This suggests that the total capacity added in 2025 will likely exceed the 2,300 MW installed in 2024.
The CER’s report underscores the importance of rooftop solar in Australia’s energy landscape. The continued growth of the sector is driven by both consumer demand and government incentives, which have made solar installations more accessible and affordable. The integration of battery storage systems further enhances the efficiency and reliability of solar power, allowing homeowners to store excess energy for use during peak demand periods.
The strong performance of the rooftop solar market in May 2025 highlights the ongoing transition towards renewable energy in Australia. With over 4.9 million small-scale systems now installed across the country, solar power is playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the nation’s climate goals.
As the year progresses, the rooftop solar Australia market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by technological advancements, falling costs, and increasing consumer awareness of the benefits of renewable energy. The CER’s updated forecasts for 2025 reflect the optimism surrounding the sector, with expectations of record-breaking installations and significant contributions to carbon abatement.
