Tasmanians are growing ever fonder of solar power, and Launceston is the state’s hotspot.
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That is according to new data released by a leading solar energy body.
The Australian Photovoltaic Institute outlined data on the country’s solar adoption for the year to April 2017.
The data shows there is now 6 gigawatts of solar capacity across Australia - enough to power nearly every household in Melbourne.
Queensland led the charge, with more than 1.7 gigawatts of household and commercial solar power.
New South Wales was close behind, with 1.2 gigawatts.
With 105 megawatts, Tasmania was in front of the ACT and the Northern Territory.
Sunwiz managing director and solar analyst Warwick Johnston said Tasmania’s lower solar radiation, as well as its lower electricity prices, meant that people here were not flocking to solar like those in other states were.
Falling prices for solar power are a key motivating factor in people installing solar in their homes and businesses.
EnergyBank director Sam Dingemanse assists in the installation of residential and commercial solar power systems.
His business is based in Launceston.
Mr Dingemanse said when the feed-in tariff dropped in 2013, the demand for solar in Tasmania fell as power prices diminished.
But as the local housing market improved, and more mainlanders with disposable income relocated to Tasmania, the demand for solar rose, Mr Dingemanse said.
Energy Minister Matthew Groom said the state government would support solar development through its new Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme, which will facilitate zero interest loans for investments in solar hot water and photovoltaic systems.
”This is a real boon for households and small businesses looking to invest in solar products,” Mr Groom said.
“It will also help Tasmanians keep their power bills as low as possible.”
Opposition energy spokesperson Scott Bacon, however, claimed the scheme “still hadn’t got off the ground”.
“Labor welcomes an increase in solar installations across the state,” Mr Bacon said.
He noted Tasmanian Labor’s renewable energy policy, dubbed Target 500, which proposed to increase Tasmania’s renewable energy capacity to 500 megawatts.