Australia’s solar photovoltaic (PV) sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation in 2025, driven by large-scale projects, record-breaking renewable energy generation, and supportive government policies. Here’s an overview of the latest developments:

Major Solar Projects and Investments

• Weasel Solar Farm, Tasmania: This new project has received approval to proceed, featuring approximately 4,000 solar panels and a 144MW battery storage unit with a 576MWh capacity. Located near Bothwell, it will contribute to Tasmania’s proposed Midlands renewable energy zone and is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 44,000 tonnes annually. The project also plans to allow sheep grazing under the solar panels to minimize land use conflict.

• JinkoSolar’s 133MW Solar-Plus-Storage Project, New South Wales: Jinko Power Australia has submitted plans for a 133.76MWc solar-plus-storage project in New South Wales to the federal government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.

• Neoen’s 440MW Culcairn Plant, New South Wales: Neoen Australia has begun commissioning its 440MW Culcairn solar PV plant, marking it as the company’s second-largest facility in the country.

• Metlen Energy’s $460 Million Refinancing: Greek company Metlen Energy and Metals has refinanced a portfolio of seven solar farms across New South Wales and Queensland in a $460 million deal, totaling 420MW.

Record-Breaking Renewable Energy Generation

• National Electricity Market (NEM) Record: On June 23, 2025, Australia’s NEM achieved a new record high for solar PV and wind generation at 12,463MW.

• Rooftop Solar Surge: Between December 2024 and February 2025, Australia’s rooftop solar energy output increased by 20%, totaling 10,592 GWh. New South Wales led with a 25.4% increase, followed by Victoria (23.1%) and South Australia (22.5%).

 Government Policies and Residential Adoption

• New South Wales Solar Installations: NSW residents are projected to install up to 188,814 solar systems in the 2025/26 financial year, nearly double the 97,077 systems installed in 2024. This surge is attributed to cost-of-living pressures and government rebates.

• Northern Territory Incentives: The Country Liberal Party (CLP) has doubled funding for its solar panel scheme to $6 million and increased the Home and Business Battery Scheme bonus to $12,000. Additionally, the peak feed-in tariff has been doubled to 18.66 cents/kWh, effective from July 1, 2025.