Australia’s rooftop solar sector continued its robust performance in July 2026, with 339.2 megawatts (MW) of new capacity installed on homes and businesses. This significant uptake contributes to the highest January–July installation tally on record for the nation, according to the latest report from industry analyst SunWiz, released on 4 August 2026.
The July figures, while 22 per cent below April’s all-time record of 432 MW, comfortably exceed the long-run monthly average of approximately 285 MW. This strong showing indicates sustained demand, with the total volume of new capacity installed so far in 2026 running 43 per cent ahead of the same period in 2025. SunWiz Managing Director Warwick Johnston noted that “2026 continues to be a record year for PV.”
Federal Battery Scheme Fuels Solar Growth
A key driver behind this accelerated solar adoption is the federal Cheaper Home Batteries scheme. Industry analysis suggests this program is prompting many households to either install rooftop PV for the first time or upgrade existing systems to better integrate with discounted battery storage.
“2026 continues to be a record year for PV, despite the slowdown from April, monthly volumes remain at record levels [and the] PV market continues to be heavily influenced by the Cheaper Home Battery Program.” — Warwick Johnston, SunWiz Managing Director
This synergy between solar and battery installations underscores a growing trend among Australian consumers to maximise energy independence and savings. For those considering battery storage, detailed information on available options and incentives can be found in our guide: Best Home Batteries in Australia 2026: Models, Costs & Up To $7,500 Rebates.
Installation Trends and STC Stability
The 10-15 kilowatt (kW) system size segment remains the largest contributor to the overall volume, accounting for 122.6 MW, or approximately 36 per cent of the total July installations. While volumes in this segment have seen a slight dip from their peak, they have stabilised at elevated levels, indicating continued preference for larger residential systems capable of meeting higher energy demands and supporting battery integration. Other notable segments include 6–8 kW systems at 60 MW and 15-20 kW systems at 45.3 MW.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which underpin Australia’s solar rebate scheme, have also remained stable. As of 4 August 2026, the STC spot price was holding at AUD $39.60. This stability provides ongoing certainty for households investing in solar, as the value of their upfront rebate remains predictable. The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) has recorded a total of 4.469 million solar power systems installed on Australian homes and small businesses as of 23 July 2026, representing approximately 41 per cent of all households.
State-by-State Leadership
Queensland continues to lead all other states in total solar panel system installs, with 1,203,203 systems as of 23 July 2026. However, when considering the percentage of households with solar, South Australia narrowly leads Queensland, with just over half (57.00%) of all its households owning a solar system. These state-level commitments highlight the widespread embrace of solar technology across the country.
Outlook for 2026
The consistent installation rates and the influence of government incentives suggest that 2026 is firmly on track to be a landmark year for Australian rooftop solar. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries program, in particular, has created a significant uplift, encouraging more Australians to invest in a combined solar and storage solution. This sustained growth is crucial for Australia’s energy transition, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more resilient and decentralised grid.
Australians looking to understand the broader landscape of energy support can consult our guide: Australian Energy Rebates in 2026: Your State-by-State Guide After Federal Relief Ends. The ongoing stability of STC prices and the clear demand for larger solar systems, especially when paired with batteries, indicate a confident market for residential and small business solar investments.
| Statistic | Data Point (July 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New Rooftop Solar Installed | 339.2 MW | SunWiz |
| Month-on-Month Increase | 6% from June 2026 | SunWiz |
| Year-to-Date Increase (vs 2025) | 43% ahead | SunWiz |
| Largest System Segment | 10-15 kW (122.6 MW, 36% of July total) | SunWiz |
| STC Spot Price (Aug 4, 2026) | AUD $39.60 | Demand Manager |
| Total Solar Systems (Jul 23, 2026) | 4.469 million | CER |
| Households with Solar | 41% nationally, 57% in South Australia | CER |