Australia is colloquially known as the sunburnt country, but it’s only really been in the last decade that we’ve truly decided to start harnessing the power of the sun for more than a Sunday BBQ, beach cricket or the unfortunate sunburn. How is that you may ask? Well, the answer is large-scale solar farms.
If you’re scratching your head at the phrase, then never fear, Canstar Blue has answered some questions you may have about large-scale solar in your state – including where these solar panel farms are located and how much energy they can produce.
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What is a solar farm and how does it work?
Solar farms are not too unlike any other farm you may come across in Australia, except, in place of traditional produce or cattle, you’ll find rows and rows of solar panels. Typically, these farms are housed on large plots of land, with several hundreds of photovoltaic solar panels connected and extended across the spanning acreage.
Unlike the more familiar rooftop solar panels that are used to power a singular home or unit, solar farms are used to mass produce and generate large-scale power to then be fed directly into the grid for use by households and businesses. Solar farms, however, still work in the same way as a rooftop panel unit, in that the panels absorb sunlight to then converted into electricity.
How many solar farms are there in Australia?
These days there are several odd solar panel farms readily in use across Australia. While it can be hard to pin down a definitive number, given the quantity of projects constantly in commission and construction phases, the Clean Energy Council found in its annual report that large-scale solar managed to generate more than 11 million megawatt hours (MWh) of power in 2022. For reference, solar farm sizes can start anywhere from 500 kilowatts (kW) in size.
Below, we have listed some of the top solar farms in each state and territory in Australia. We’ve also listed some of the farms under construction and their expected sizes.
Solar farms Australia: State-by-state guide
Solar Farms in New South Wales
Large-scale solar is becoming a bigger part of the NSW energy mix, with seven additional projects over 50MW set to join the ranks of the existing 14 in the next few years. Below is a compilation of operational solar farms in NSW that are over 50MW in size, listed in ascending order.
- Broken Hill Solar Plant, 53MW
- Moree Solar Farm, 56MW
- Parkes Solar Farm, 66MW
- Goonumbla Solar Farm, 68.7MW
- Beryl Solar Farm, 87MW
- Nyngan Solar Plant, 102MW
- Hillston Solar Farm, 119MW
- Bomen Solar Farm, 120MW
- Nevertire Solar Farm, 132MW
- Gunnedah Solar Farm, 146MW
- Coleambally Solar Farm, 150MW
- Finley Solar Farm, 175MW
- Darlington Point Solar Farm, 333MW
- Limondale Solar Farm, 345MW
Solar Farms Under Construction NSW
We’ve also gathered a list of 50MW+ solar panel farms in NSW that are currently under construction. For information on estimated finish times, visit the respective websites. These are listed in order of size.
- Metz Solar Farm, 115MW
- Springdale Solar Farm, 120MW
- Maryvale Solar Farm, 160MW
- Sunraysia Solar Storage Facility, 250MW
- Wellington North Solar Plant, 300MW
- Culcairn Solar Farm, 350MW
- New England Solar Farm, 720MW
Live in NSW? See how solar energy works at a small-scale level in your state with Canstar Blue’s guide to solar power in NSW.
Solar Farms in Victoria
Victoria currently has seven solar farms over 50MW producing power in the state. It’s less than other states perhaps due to the availability of suitable locations with plentiful sun. Here are those projects, listed in order of their size.
- Gannawarra Solar Farm, 60MW
- Wemen Solar Farm, 110MW
- Bannerton Solar Park, 110MW
- Yatpool Solar Park, 112MW
- Karadoc Solar Farm, 112.5MW
- Numurkah Solar Farm, 128MW
- Kiamal Solar Farm – Stage 1, 200MW
Solar Farms Under Construction VIC
With 10 new solar farms over 50MW under construction in the state, Victoria is set to see its large-scale solar generation nearly double over the coming years. These are the projects currently underway:
- Frasers Solar Farm, 77MW
- Wunghnu Solar Farm, 90MW
- Derby Solar Farm, 95MW
- Carwarp Solar Farm, 121.6MW
- Horsham Solar Farm, 130MW
- Glenrowan Solar Farm, 149MW
- Kiamal Solar Farm – Stage 2, 150MW
- Winton Solar Farm, 150MW
- West Mokoan Solar Farm, 210MW
- Goorambat Solar Farm, 250MW
Live in Victoria? See how solar energy works at a small-scale level in your state with Canstar Blue’s guide to solar power in Victoria.
Solar Farms in Queensland
It’s called the Sunshine State for a reason you know – in fact, Queensland leads the pack as far as large-scale solar power generation is concerned, with some of its biggest farms located up north, near Townsville. Below you’ll find a list of established solar panel farms in QLD that are 50MW or over, listed according to their size.
- Hayman Solar Farm, 50MW
- Whitsunday Solar Farm, 57.5MW
- Hamilton Solar Farm, 57.5MW
- Warwick Solar Farm, 64MW
- Rugby Run Solar Farm, 65MW
- Emerald Solar Park, 72MW
- Childers Solar Farm, 75MW
- Clermont Solar Farm, 89MW
- Susan River Solar Farm, 95MW
- Clare Solar Farm, 100MW
- Oakey Solar Farm, 100MW
- Yarranlea Solar Farm, 100MW
- Darling Downs Solar Farm, 110MW
- Ross River Solar Farm, 116MW
- Sun Metals Solar Farm, 121MW
- Lilyvale Solar PV Park, 126.2MW
- Daydream Solar Farm, 150MW
- Columboola Solar Farm, 162MW
Solar Farms Under Construction QLD
Queensland has eight large-scale solar projects currently in the works, with its largest capping off at 500MW. These are the projects under construction in QLD:
- Aramara Solar PV Park, 140MW
- Warhook Solar Farm, 200MW
- Rodds Bay Solar Farm, 300MW
- Clarke Creek Solar Farm, 350MW
- Aldoga Solar Farm, 440MW
- Western Downs Green Power Hub, 460MW
- Harlin Solar Project, 500MW
- Haughton Solar Farm, 500MW
Live in QLD? See how solar energy works at a small-scale level in your state with Canstar Blue’s guide to solar power in QLD.
Solar Farms in South Australia
Whilst South Australia may not host the same volume of solar farms as seen in other states, there are currently two active 50MW+ facilities in use in South Australia.
- Tailem Bend Solar Project – Stage 1, 95MW
- Bungala Solar Farm, 220MW
Solar Farms Under Construction SA
South Australia shows great potential when it comes to solar generation, with six solar farms due to surface in this state over the coming years. These, in order of size (and, again, not under 50MW), are listed below.
- Tailem Bend Solar Project – Stage 2, 87MW
- Adani Whyalla Solar Farm, 140MW
- Pallamana Solar Farm, 176MW
- Cultana Solar Farm, 280MW
- Riverland Solar Farm and Storage, 330MW
- The Solar River Project, 400MW
Live in SA? See how solar energy works at a small-scale level in your state with Canstar Blue’s guide to solar power in SA.
Solar Farms in Western Australia
Western Australia is home to a number of small solar farms, however only one currently exceeds 50MW. This is listed below.
- Merredin Solar Farm, 132MW
Solar Farms Under Construction WA
In the next few years, the state is expecting another three large solar farms to join its ranks. These are detailed below.
- Benger Solar Farm, 100MW
- Pilbara Solar Farm, 100MW
- Bristol Springs Solar Project, 114MW
Solar Farms in Northern Territory
There are a select number of solar farms in the Northern Territory however, none of the active or under construction projects currently exceed 50MW.
Learn more about solar in the NT with Canstar Blue’s guide to solar power in Darwin.
Solar Farms in the Australian Capital Territory
Similar to the Northern Territory, the ACT has a select number of solar farms, all under 50MW.
Solar Farms in Tasmania
There are currently only a few solar panel farms in action in Tasmania. These farms however, are all under 50MW.
Learn more about solar in the Tasmania with Canstar Blue’s Tasmanian solar power guide.
Compare Solar Plans & Prices
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
How much power do solar farms generate?
According to the Clean Energy Council, 5% of Australia’s total electricity generation came from large-scale solar farms in 2022. This number may seem small, but when you consider that only a small portion of our total power generation comes from renewables, it might seem more substantial.
In the context of the total amount of clean energy generated, the Clean Energy Council found that large-scale solar PV made up 14% of that in 2022. This was equivalent to powering 2,554,448 households over the course of the year.
What are some other forms of renewable energy in Australia?
As we mentioned before, large-scale solar projects only made up around 14% of Australia’s total renewable energy mix in 2022 – so what are the other energy generators we’re using? Here are just a few examples of other ways Aussies are creating sustainable power:
- Rooftop solar
- Hydro power
- Bioenergy
- Geothermal
- Wind power
- Wave power
How can households cash-in on solar energy in Australia?
While solar farms are a great way to boost renewable energy generation as a whole in Australia, they don’t necessarily correlate to direct solar energy usage for households and businesses. This is because the power generated from most solar panel farms is fed directly into the grid to then be supplied to households. This means that the solar energy is also fed alongside all the other types of energy generation in the nation, from coal to hydroelectricity. While this doesn’t mean that households won’t receive any solar energy in their electricity supply, it does mean that it’ll be only a very small percentage they’ll benefit from.
For households keen to wholly benefit from solar energy generation then it may pay off to invest in their own rooftop solar panels or home solar battery system. This way, the power generated from the system is directly servicing the needs of their household first and foremost, helping to reduce their reliance on the grid and potentially save on energy costs along the way. Plus, they may be able to earn themselves a few credits for sharing their leftover solar energy with their neighbours and sending it back into the grid.
If you are interested in installing solar panels on your home and are looking for the best company for the job, then be sure to check out our solar panel installer ratings below. Here we list the brands Aussie solar customers have rated top-notch for service, products and overall satisfaction. Compare from the winning brands by clicking the tab below.
Image credits: Thongsuk Atiwannakul/shutterstock.com, zhu difeng/shutterstock.com, RobynCharnley/shutterstock.com, Adwo/shutterstock.com, Marina Kryuchina/shutterstock.com, SkyReefPhoto/shutterstock.com, Svetlana Avv/shutterstock.com
Original Author: Monika Gudova
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