Australia currently has the highest rate of solar PV penetration in the world, with more than 2.3 million solar systems now installed. Not surprising given how much sunshine we get. Especially here in WA!
So, how are solar panels tracking in our sunny state? Almost 1 in 3 homes have rooftop solar, with around 2,000 households installing a new solar system each month. But, which WA postcodes are dominating and really harnessing the renewable power of the sun?
WA’s best performing solar suburbs
The latest figures are in, and the southern suburb of Baldivis continues to outpace everyone with the greatest number of solar panel installations. The remaining top 10 suburbs are also steadily holding their positions compared to the 2019 results. Here’s the current top 10 solar suburbs:
| 1. Baldivis | 6,272 |
| 2. Canning Vale | 5,395 |
| 3. Ellenbrook | 3,697 |
| 4. Thornlie | 3,486 |
| 5. Byford | 2,970 |
| 6. Willetton | 2,831 |
| 7. Ballajura | 2,697 |
| 8. Halls Head | 2,630 |
| 9. Gosnells | 2,531 |
| 10. Dianella | 2,505 |
When you look at the proportion of homes with rooftop solar per suburb, it tells a completely diff erent story. Bushmead – dubbed Perth’s newest and most natural suburb, ranks number 1 by far with 74% solar PV uptake. While Stake Hill – a north-eastern suburb of Mandurah, trails significantly behind in fourth place at 65%
The stark contrast between the total number of homes in a suburb with rooftop solar and the proportion of homes (as a percentage) demonstrates the growing popularity of rooftop solar, particularly in new suburbs. Rooftop solar has become an expectation in new homes, rather than a luxury.
The numbers we’re seeing for solar in Perth are set to keep growing, as more households realise the benefits of going solar and staying connected to the grid.
Solar panels % per suburb
| 1. Bushmead | 84.2% |
| 2. Gnangara | 66.2% |
| 3. Karlkurla | 65.2% |
| 4. Stake Hill | 60.0% |
| 5. Ravenswood | 61.3% |
| 6. Bovell | 60.9% |
| 7. Parklands | 60.5% |
| 8. Mariginiup | 59.7% |
| 9. Oakford | 59.4% |
| 10. Reinscourt | 58.9% |
WA’s fastest growing solar suburbs
Moving quickly up the solar panel ranks in Perth includes Piara Waters, which has moved up 8 spots to 13th place since this time last year. Other big jumpers include Wellard and Dalyellup - not only were they quick to move up the solar stakes, they have also been two of WA’s fastest-growing suburbs in the last decade.
Thinking about installing solar panels on your rooftop, but not sure where to start? Take a look at this handy guide to help you make the right choice.
Local government solar rankings
Looking at council to council, not much has changed since we last reported WA solar figures. Leading the pack is still City of Wanneroo, with City of Joondalup and City of Rockingham rounding off the top 3:
| 1. City of Wanneroo | 29,358 |
| 2. City of Joondalup | 22,675 |
| 3. City of Rockingham | 21,207 |
| 4. City of Swan | 20,996 |
| 5. City of Stirling | 18,506 |
| 6. City of Gosnells | 16,921 |
| 7. City of Mandurah | 15,417 |
| 8. City of Cockburn | 14,768 |
| 9. City of Armadale | 12,799 |
| 10. City of Melville | 11,765 |
Again, when you look at the percentage of solar uptake per local government area (LGA), the results vary. The fastest growing LGA – Shire of Chittering sneaks in at the top with 48.7%, Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale second at 48.3% and Shire of Murray a close third, at 45.9% solar PV uptake. While these areas aren’t as heavily populated as some metro LGAs, the higher uptake can be attributed to an increase in residential development.
City of Wanneroo, although having the highest total number of solar installations, only manages an overall uptake of around 39.6%, bringing them in at 7th place.
Want to see where your suburb sits in the solar stakes?
Take a look with our solar suburb checker!
Note – rankings are based on the total number of properties with solar power connected to the Western Power network.
Current data is accurate as of 30th June 2020.
