The number of households using rooftop solar in Australia has reached two million.

Clean Energy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton, said the milestone recognised the growing appeal of solar for consumers looking to harness the power of the sun to reduce their power bills.

“Homes with rooftop solar installed are saving on average of about $540 per year on their electricity bills,” Mr Thornton said.

“Solar is a clear way for consumers to take control of their power consumption and cut costs, and it’s growing quickly by word-of-mouth.”

Queensland continues to lead the nation in rooftop solar, with four of the nation’s top five solar postcodes hailing from the Sunshine State. Bundaberg in central Queensland topped the list for the highest number of households with solar power, followed by Mandurah in Western Australia, then three other Queensland locations: Hervey Bay, Caloundra and Toowoomba.

Mr Thornton said rooftop solar acts like a mini-power station, helping to reduce strain on the electricity network when it is most needed – like during hot weather when air conditioners are running full tilt.

“An average of six panels per minute are being installed in Australia, with the Australian Energy Market Operator estimating an average of ten to 20 panels per minute if large-scale solar projects are factored in. Along the way a new industry has been created – thousands of sparkies have specialised in solar power, and it’s hard to find a group of people with as much passion for what they do,” Mr Thornton said.