As we all know, Queensland is known all over Australia but also the entire world for abundant sunshine and vast open spaces – helping to make it a powerhouse in the renewable energy landscape. The state’s commitment to clean energy has led to the development of numerous large-scale solar farms Queensland wide, making us a national and international leader in solar power generation. But what else makes Queensland such a hotspot for solar farms – and what should you know before diving into this green energy revolution for yourself?
Let’s take a deep, sunny dive into the fascinating world of Queensland solar farms:
Why Queensland is perfect for solar farms
They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing! Queensland really is living up to that name, with an average of over 300 sunny days a year – making it absolutely perfect for solar energy generation. This natural gift allows the type of solar farm Queensland residents know well to operate efficiently, generating significant amounts of clean electricity. In short, all this sunshine not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels but also contributes to the state’s energy security.
Crucially, the Queensland government has been a strong advocate for renewable energy, setting ambitious targets for the state to transition to cleaner energy sources. This kind of support has been critical in the growth of the solar industry overall.
The growth of solar farms in Queensland
As of 2024, Queensland hosts over 50 operational solar farms – with several more under construction or in the planning stages. The solar farm industry in Queensland has seen rapid expansion in recent years, driven by both government incentives and private sector investment. As of now, the state hosts several large-scale solar farms, with many more proposed solar farms in Queensland set to join the list in the coming years. These solar farms not only contribute to the state’s electricity grid but also play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping Queensland move towards a more sustainable future.
One of the key factors contributing to the success of solar farms in Queensland is the availability of vast tracts of land. The state’s rural and regional areas, where land is relatively inexpensive and abundant, have become prime locations for these massive solar installations. This availability of land, combined with the state’s sunny climate, has made Queensland one of the leading regions for solar energy in Australia.
Many solar farms in Queensland are integrated with battery storage systems, allowing them to store excess energy generated during the day for use during peak demand periods.
The 10 biggest solar farms in Queensland
Queensland has the Big Pineapple, very big crocs, the world’s biggest coral reef. But did you know Queensland also has Australia’s biggest solar farm at Western Downs – capable of powering 235,000 Queensland homes? There seems to be a Queensland solar farm just about everywhere you look, so here at 5 more BIG solar farms in Queensland that deserve a mention:
- Western Downs Green Power Hub: The largest in Queensland, with a capacity of 400 MW, it’s located near Chinchilla and covers 1,600 hectares. It also includes battery storage technology for enhanced efficiency. Western Downs boasts a mind-boggling 1 million solar panels!
- Haughton Solar Farm: Located in the Burdekin Shire, this 500 MW solar farm covers 1,200 hectares and powers approximately 180,000 homes annually.
- Daydream Solar Farm: Near Collinsville, this 180 MW solar farm spans 430 hectares and supplies power to about 55,000 homes.
- Ross River Solar Farm: Located near Townsville, it has a capacity of 148 MW and powers approximately 54,000 homes.
- Sun Metals Solar Farm: Situated in Northern Queensland, this 124 MW farm is primarily used to power a zinc refinery in Townsville, providing about 30% of its power needs.
- Darling Downs Solar Farm: Found in Dalby, this 110 MW solar farm spans 200 hectares and supplies power to around 45,000 homes.
- Clare Solar Farm: Located in Ayr, this 100 MW solar farm covers 120 hectares and powers 42,000 homes annually.
- Kidston Solar Project: Situated in Kidston, this 50 MW solar farm spans 160 hectares and powers approximately 26,484 homes.
- Brigalow Solar Farm: Located in the Western Downs Region, this 120 MW solar farm spans 160 hectares and powers 36,000 homes.
- Whitsunday Solar Farm: Another significant solar project, contributing to Queensland’s renewable energy capacity.
Proposed solar farms in Queensland
The future looks sunny and bright for Queensland’s solar industry, with numerous proposed solar farms set to further bolster the state’s renewable energy portfolio. These proposed projects are expected to add thousands of megawatts of capacity to the state’s grid, keeping Queensland right at the forefront of Australia’s clean energy transition.
These proposed solar farms in Queensland are strategically located in areas with high solar irradiance and low environmental impact, making sure they not only provide clean, green energy but also preserve the state’s renowned natural beauty. The development of these solar farms also create hundreds of jobs and stimulate economic growth in regional areas, providing a much-needed boost to local communities.
5 fast facts about Queensland solar farms
1. Queensland hosts some of the largest solar farms in Australia, with several projects exceeding 100 megawatts in capacity. These large-scale solar farms are capable of powering tens of thousands of homes each year.
2. Solar farms in Queensland have been instrumental in reducing carbon emissions, with each solar farm contributing to a significant reduction in the state’s overall carbon footprint.
3. Many solar farms in Queensland are integrated with battery storage systems, allowing them to store excess energy generated during the day for use during peak demand periods.
4. The solar farm industry in Queensland is supported by strong government policies, including feed-in tariffs and renewable energy targets, which have helped to drive investment in the sector.
5. Community engagement is a key component of solar farm development in Queensland, with many projects involving consultations with local residents and stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of solar energy are shared equitably across the community.
Renewable Industry Jobs Growth
The expansion of solar farms in Queensland has not only contributed to the state’s renewable energy targets but has also been a significant driver of job creation. The construction and ongoing maintenance of these large-scale solar projects have created thousands of jobs across the region, ranging from site development and project management to technical roles. Notably, there has been an increased demand for solar electricians in Queensland, as these professionals are essential for installing, maintaining, and upgrading the complex electrical systems that convert solar energy into usable power. This surge in job opportunities is not just a boon for the local economy but also positions Queensland as a leader in the renewable energy workforce, supporting the state’s broader economic and environmental goals​
The future of solar in Queensland is bright!
Queensland’s solar industry is just going to keep growing and growing. It makes it the absolute perfect time to think about investing in solar industry for yourself, whether through simply supporting local solar projects near you or even installing a residential system of your own. So if you’re thinking about getting solar panels installed, or you need support, repairs or maintenance done on your existing system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right here at Static Electrics. Together, we’ll help keep Queensland’s solar future looking bright. Give our friendly team of accredited, licensed solar system technicians a shout today!
