Australia is missing out on harnessing solar power from industrial and commercial properties which could boost energy for the grid while driving down bills.
However, installing solar panels on businesses is a job that’s either too big to too small for companies to cash in on rebates, so many choose to go without, according to a report from Nexa Advisory released on Tuesday.
It adds to growing pressure on government and other authorities to do more to harness solar on big buildings, with many existing grants focused on delivering cash back for households or small business.
The report found large facilities like warehouses could see their bills slashed by as much as $92,000 a year and some $11 billion in network costs avoided by 2040 if industrial and commercial properties harness their rooftops.
Existing roof space is capable of hosting some 28 gigawatts of solar capacity, the report found, however, only about one fifth of that is currently being used.
Policy gaps, outdated tariff structures and complex grid connection processes were found to be behind the slow take up.
“If Australia delivers on the potential capacity, it will cut the need for major transmission upgrades and unlock a faster transition,” the report said.
“Businesses consume more energy than residential users but have enormous potential to supply renewable energy at a very low cost to other system users.”
More rebates and financing options targeted at mid-size installation jobs and streamlined grid connections were among suggested changes.
There is growing momentum for Australia to expand solar capture. Last month Ausgrid proposed a trial that would tap into panels of commercial and industrial properties to deliver cheaper power to nearby homes to the tune of about $200 a year.
Authorities and energy companies are under the pump to accelerate the shift to renewables to meet 2050 net zero targets, while the federal government is preparing to reveal Australia’s new 2035 emissions reduction targets later this week.
On Monday, the National Climate Risk Assessment found heatwave-related deaths are likely to rise in coming years while more than three million people will be impacted by coastal flooding and erosion by 2090.
AAP
