Australia’s greenest suburbs have been rated using adoption of solar energy as a guide.
As Australia continues its ambitious push towards sustainability, suburbs nationwide are emerging as leaders in renewable energy adoption. Solar Run, a leading renewable energy advocate and provider, has analysed publicly available data from the Clean Energy Council (CEC) to calculate the total number of solar installations in every Australian suburb between January 2020 and December 2023, offering a detailed look into the adoption of clean energy at a community level.
Greenest
Victoria’s Tarneit leads the charge with an impressive 2177 solar installations, showcasing the suburb’s strong commitment to sustainable energy. Following closely is Box Hill in NSW, shining brightly with 2152 installations.
Queensland also makes a significant mark on the renewable energy landscape. Winfield in the Bundaberg region stands out with 1735 installations, turning heads with its substantial investment in solar power. Further down the coast, Caloundra and Mackay are not known just for their scenic beauty, but also as pioneers in the solar movement, each boasting installations in the thousands.
Victoria’s Roxburgh Park and Queensland’s Maryborough demonstrate suburban areas can transform rooftops into power stations, with 1475 and 1466 installations respectively. Meanwhile, Kellyville in NSW follows closely with 1442 installations, further underscoring the widespread adoption of renewable energy across the nation.
Uptake of solar
“These findings are a testament to the growing momentum of renewable energy across Australia,” said Anthony Kurta, Managing Director and CEO of Solar Run. “Communities are increasingly recognising the benefits of solar power, not just for the environment but also for economic resilience. Our report highlights the leaders in this green revolution and emphasises the importance of continued support and investment in clean energy.”
Glen Ollerton, Director at MDP Architecture, also commented on the growing demand for energy-efficient homes: “The rising cost of living pressures are a concern for everyone in the community, including homeowners and the rental market. In particular, the rising energy costs bring into focus the immediate impact on people’s financial landscapes. Keeping our homes warm, cool and lit is a staple requirement of every house. Clients are now asking, ‘How can we reduce our energy bills?’ That’s often the question that opens the door about sustainability and what it means to them and the environment.”
An indicator for the future
Solar Run’s analysis provides valuable insights for policy makers, industry stakeholders and the general public, encouraging a collaborative effort towards a more sustainable and energy-independent future of Australia’s greenest suburbs. The report emphasises the need for ongoing support for renewable energy initiatives and the pivotal role of local communities in driving national progress.
To see the full report, log on to solarrun.com.au.