[SMM PV News] South Australia Seeks Global Bids for Massive Renewable Zones

Australia’s rooftop solar market hit a record 341 MW in March 2026, marking a nearly 20% month-on-month increase. This surge was largely driven by the federal government’s AUD 7.2 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP), which has supported approximately 300,000 battery installations. Ahead of a rebate structure shift on May 1, a rush of installations pushed small-scale energy storage to a record 1.6 GWh in March, with average battery sizes reaching a new peak of 40 kWh. SunWiz Managing Director Warwick Johnston noted that rising battery adoption is encouraging larger solar system sizes, fueling overall capacity growth across the country.

New Zealand’s Electricity Authority has introduced new rules to relax grid connection limits for solar and storage systems. Starting in late April 2026, residential solar and battery setups will receive a default export limit of at least 10 kW, with options for dynamic, flexible limits in some areas. This initiative aims to reduce network costs by maximizing the use of distributed energy and paving the way for technologies like vehicle-to-grid charging. Additionally, the industry is tasked with developing standardized assessment tools to streamline connections for larger projects and provide clearer investment transparency.

Croatia's state-owned electricity company, 'HEP', is inviting bids for a 56 MW solar project paired with up to 200 MWh of battery energy storage in Zadar county. Supported by the 'EBRD', the project scope involves site preparation, electrical infrastructure installation, and the construction of a new 100/33 kV substation. Pre-qualification proposals are due by May 12, with the 54.8-hectare project slated to reach the ready-to-build stage by late 2026. This major tender aligns with Croatia's rapid renewable growth, as the country's cumulative solar capacity surpassed 1.2 GW in late 2025.