澳大利亚政府宣布扩大小规模可再生能源计划，将太阳能装机容量补贴上限从现有标准提高至1MW，使大型企业、工厂、仓库、农场和社区设施能够安装规模约10倍的太阳能系统。[1][2]能源部长克里斯·鲍恩表示，这一举措旨在解决能源转型中的"缺失的中间部分"，即中型太阳能系统。[1]该扩展计划从2024年10月1日开始实施。[2]
澳大利亚目前住宅太阳能装机容量为22吉瓦，而商业建筑仅为5.6吉瓦，形成明显对比。[1][2]相比之下，欧洲商业建筑太阳能装机容量是住宅的1.5倍。澳大利亚商业屋顶太阳能潜力超过80吉瓦。[1][2]新计划预计将商业、工业和农业屋顶安装成本降低约20%。[2]以250千瓦系统为例，初期可节省约68,000澳元，年度电力成本节省约50,000澳元；850千瓦系统初期可节省约232,000澳元，年度电力成本节省约175,000澳元。[2]此外，澳大利亚政府要求能源市场监管机构加快商业太阳能系统的电网连接速度。[1]这一扩大举措支撑澳大利亚2030年实现82%可再生能源目标的路径。[1]
The Australian government has announced plans to significantly broaden its rooftop solar subsidy program, extending financial incentives from residential properties to large commercial buildings, factories, and warehouses.[1][2] Energy Minister Chris Bowen revealed that the scheme's capacity cap will increase from 100 kilowatts to 1 megawatt, representing roughly a tenfold expansion.[2] The initiative aims to address what Bowen characterized as the "missing middle" in the country's energy transition—mid-sized solar installations on factory roofs, warehouses, agricultural sheds, and large industrial properties with substantial unused roof space.[1]
The expansion is expected to reduce installation costs for commercial, industrial, and agricultural solar systems by approximately 20 percent.[1][2] A 250-kilowatt system could save around 68,000 Australian dollars upfront, with potential annual electricity cost savings of about 50,000 dollars.[1][2] An 850-kilowatt system could yield initial savings of approximately 232,000 dollars and annual electricity savings of about 175,000 dollars.[2] The extended scheme commenced on October 1, 2024.[1][2]
Currently, Australia's residential solar capacity stands at 22 gigawatts, while commercial solar capacity remains at only about 5.6 gigawatts, despite commercial rooftops holding potential for over 80 gigawatts of installation.[1][2] The disparity contrasts sharply with Europe, where commercial building solar capacity exceeds residential capacity by 1.5 times.[2] Bowen has also directed the energy market regulator to accelerate grid connection approval for commercial solar systems.[1] Australia is targeting 82 percent renewable energy by 2030.[1]
