Wedoany.com Report-Jun 14, Australia recorded over 235 MW of new rooftop solar systems (0-100 kW) installed in May 2025, a 6% increase from the 221 MW deployed in April, according to SunWiz’s latest market update. Despite the uptick, the figures fell below expectations due to the upcoming Cheaper Home Batteries Program, set to launch on July 1, 2025.

Warwick Johnston, Managing Director of SunWiz, stated: “The upcoming federal battery rebate is causing delays in many PV installations as customers wanting both solar and batteries are choosing to wait until the rebate becomes available on 1 July. In the meantime, retailers appear more focused on generating sales than progressing installations.” The federal subsidy program is expected to drive the installation of over one million small-scale battery storage systems in the next five years, reshaping the solar industry.

Johnston added: “Historically, batteries have been added to support new PV systems. We’re approaching a tipping point where more batteries will be installed each year than greenfield PV systems. In other words, batteries will become the primary market driver, pulling PV installations along with them, a reversal of the industry dynamic we’ve known for years.”

The May 2025 rooftop solar total is 11% higher than the same period in 2022 but lower than the volumes recorded in 2023 and 2024. The year-to-date figure is 8% below last year’s level. Small-scale technology certificates (STCs) increased in most states, with the Northern Territory seeing a 32% rise, while South Australia and Tasmania experienced declines of 5% and 1%, respectively.

Household installations in the 10-15 kW range saw the most growth, with the average home rooftop solar system size reaching 10.2 kW. In the commercial sector, the 50-75 kW capacity range was the strongest performer. The STC commercial rooftop solar market (15-100 kW) remained robust, surpassing volumes from the previous three years.

This growth in Australia’s rooftop solar and battery market supports the nation’s renewable energy goals, driven by federal initiatives and increasing consumer demand for sustainable energy solutions.