Tweed, Lismore and Ballina rank among NSW’s top solar electorates

NORTHERN Rivers households rank among the highest rooftop solar users in NSW, with Tweed, Lismore and Ballina listed among the state’s top four electorates.

Recent data released by the Smart Energy Council shows regional NSW continues to outpace metropolitan areas in solar adoption.

Tweed Shire Council sustainability program leader Debbie Firestone said the council is proud of residents who have installed solar systems.

“Renewable energy is an effective way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce our energy costs,” she said.

During sunny periods, rooftop solar systems can generate more power than the state’s coal-fired power stations, according to the Smart Energy Council.

The council’s chief advocacy officer David McElrea said a typical solar system can save households around $1,000 per year.

“Solar has been a gamechanger for household power bills for the last 15 years,” he said.

McElrea said electric vehicle owners also benefit.

“Owners can charge for free from their rooftop solar, or at a substantially cheaper price from electricity, than fuel,” he said.

He said regional communities often face greater pressure from grid reliability and higher power costs.

“Regional Australians can often find themselves at the fringes of the grid, leading to more brown and blackouts, which drives the need for more self-sufficiency through solar and batteries,” he said.

“Cost pressures can be more of a factor, with regional Australians often facing higher power prices, meaning that solar and battery savings are even higher.”

McElrea said demand for solar services in regional areas remains strong and called for more specialist training.

“We can help by attracting skilled workers like electricians, engineers, and solar designers into those regions,” he said.