Sunshine Coast businesses accelerate solar and battery investment as energy costs bite

Sunshine Coast businesses and households are investing in solar and battery storage at rates that are consistently among the highest in Queensland, driven by a combination of high grid energy prices, excellent solar resource and a local culture that is receptive to environmental and self-sufficiency arguments for distributed energy. The cumulative installed capacity in the region represents a significant and growing share of local electricity demand, particularly during daylight hours.

The commercial sector has been particularly active. Businesses with large roof areas and daytime energy loads, including light industrial operations, retail centres and hospitality venues, have found the economics of commercial solar installations compelling even without subsidy, with payback periods in many cases well under five years at current electricity prices. Battery storage is increasingly being added to commercial installations to extend the self-consumption benefit into evening trading hours.

The installation and services sector that has grown up around this investment is itself a significant local employer. Solar installation companies, electrical contractors with renewable energy specialisation, battery storage suppliers and energy management software providers have collectively created a substantial number of skilled trades jobs in the region.

Grid-scale renewable energy projects in the broader South-East Queensland region are also affecting the Sunshine Coast economy. The pipeline of wind, solar and storage projects in Queensland's south-east has created procurement and contracting opportunities for coast-based engineering and construction businesses with the capability to support large energy project delivery.

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