PV wafer prices will probably rise in the future, driven by polysilicon

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.

The South Australia government is inviting global investors to propose large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects across roughly 11,700 square kilometers of land in the Whyalla West and Gawler Ranges East areas. Released under the state's Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Act, these zones offer exceptional wind and solar resources with the potential to power over 500,000 homes. Tenders are open until June 28, 2026, requiring applicants to detail environmental management plans and community benefits. This initiative supports the state's target to reach 100% net renewable energy by 2027.