South Australia sits as an amazing example of what solar can achieve. Breaking record after record in the last few months when it comes to utilisation of renewable energy, the state is a picture of what Australia could look like in the next few years.
On October 31st, the state entered into what is being referred to as ‘negative electricity demand’. This meant that 92% of their = whopping 1,220 MW energy demand was accounted for by rooftop solar. With the remaining being allocated across gas (16 MW), wind (130 MW), grid based solar generation (46 MW), and 38 MW of excess rooftop solar.
The latter being exported out of South Australia and into Victoria resulted in Victoria’s total scheduled electricity demand being -46 MW. A historic occasion, even if it only lasted for half an hour.
But that was hardly the only achievement from South Australia in the latter months of last year. For 6 and a half days leading up to December 29th, over 100% (meaning there was energy left over for export to other states) was being produced by renewable energy.
This includes rooftop solar, grid-based solar farms, hydroelectricity, and wind. With only a fraction of the states required energy being drawn from gas for grid stability. Which is proof that only by leveraging all sources of green energy can we achieve a truly green future.
Aside from some grid’s on small, island regions, such as Tasmania or Hawaii, this was likely a world record for grids supporting advanced economies.
South Australia in this case stands as fantastic evidence for the claim made by the Australian National University that Australia could achieve a completely green energy powered grid by as soon as 2030.
After all, Australia wide, the uptake of solar has only continued to grow, with 24% of Australia’s energy demand now being met by rooftop solar. As of today there are more than 3 million solar installations across Australia. For context, there are only 2.66 million people in West Australia, and since 2016 Australia has increased its solar capacity by 500%. State and Federal Governments continue to improve the grid’s capabilities and assist residents in moving towards this goal with a variety of solar incentives, making it easier than ever to go solar, as prices continue to fall.
Of course, as mentioned solar isn’t the only thing needed to reach that totally green energy future, but it’s one of the most important components, and we couldn’t be more excited to be playing our part in assisting homeowners across Australia play theirs. If you’d like to learn more about how solar could benefit you. You can get in touch with our team through the form below for a free quote.
