Coal feels the squeeze as big solar shines in New South Wales

Large-scale solar generation chalked up its third highest month on record in February, generating a total of 1463 gigawatt-hours in just 28 days.

According to the latest data from Rystad Energy, the bumper month for big solar was led by New South Wales, which alone contributed 609GWh to February’s total.

Rystad Energy’s David Dixon says utility PV charted substantial year-on-year growth in NSW, increasing its output by 22 per cent or 112GWh compared to in February 2022.

New South Wales also outshone other states in terms of capacity factor, with projects in the state taking up all but three of the spots in the rankings for Australia’s top performing solar assets for the month.

While top spot for February goes to Sun Energy’s Merredin solar farm in Western Australia, with a capacity factor (CF) of 43.4%, spots two, three and four go to NSW projects: Amp Energy’s Hillston solar farm (39.3% CF), Neoen’s Giffith solar farm (39.1%CF), and FRV’s Moree solar farm at around 37% CF.