Australia may be leading the world on rooftop solar but the federal government wants even more squeezed out of the country's abundant sunshine.
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An online solar energy guide released on Saturday aims to give households and small businesses more bang for their buck when making one-off rooftop solar and battery purchases.
More than one in three households are already reaping the benefits of solar, often slashing their bills in half or more.
Record rooftop solar output is also helping to drive down wholesale electricity prices, and the federal government hopes more Australians will plug into solar to take control of their electricity bills and save everyone money.
In fact, households with rooftop solar panels have created Australia's largest electricity generator.
Rooftop solar is forecast to triple in the coming decades as electric cars become batteries on wheels and join the virtual power plant.
"Installing rooftop solar is a win-win," federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.
The guide, along with tools like the SunSPOT calculator to tally the savings from different-sized systems, meant people can make an informed decision about what works best for them, he said.
It also points to where to find an accredited installer and solar retailer and how to maintain solar energy systems.
Assistant Energy Minister Jenny McAllister said the consumer tool would help more Australians unlock long- term savings on household and small business electricity bills.
"When used with SunSPOT's calculator, consumers can have the confidence to know they are receiving trusted information, not relying solely on salespeople for advice," she said.
With more than 3.7 million solar power systems installed, Australia remains the world's leading country for per capita uptake of rooftop solar power, according to solar firm SunWiz.
Australian Associated Press
