Solar to slash Qld climate pollution, power bills

Rooftop solar power and distributed battery storage could provide up to 60% of Queensland’s electricity by 2035, according to a report by the Queensland Conservation Council (QCC).

Currently, small-scale solar power provides almost 15% of Queensland’s electricity. The report found that Queensland’s solar had already saved all consumers, including those without solar, an average of $1000 per household last year by reducing grid demand.

The QCC said government support for energy efficiency upgrades, including household solar and storage, could mean at least 33% of electricity from rooftop solar by 2035, further easing power bills and reducing the state’s climate pollution by more than 12%.

“The findings of this report are an exciting indication of the huge role that our homes and rooftops can play in repowering our state and slashing emissions,” said Queensland Conservation Council Energy expert Clare Silcock. “Almost half of Queensland’s residential rooftops have solar installed, but there’s still a huge amount of untapped rooftop potential on homes and commercial buildings.

“Right now, the Crisafulli government is developing a five-year Energy Plan. This is an opportunity for the government to prioritise proven solutions that will allow us to generate and store more energy locally.

“It’s a no-brainer for the Queensland Government to support the further rollout of small-scale solar, battery storage and energy efficiency upgrades to slash power bills and pollution for Queenslanders.”

The QCC is calling for the Queensland Government to implement initiatives, such as supporting the adoption of energy-efficient appliances, virtual power plants and vehicle-to-grid technology.

Image credit: iStock.com/AndreyPopov