The National Survey Report of PV Power Applications in Australia 2008, prepared by Dr Muriel Watt, found that of the total amount of PV systems installed last year, almost 69 per cent were grid connected, bringing the total grid connected portion to nearly 30 per cent, a boost from 19 per cent in 2007. The total installed PV capacity in Australia now stands at 104.51 MW.

In 2008, Australia produced 42 MW of PV cells from imported wafers, and 8 MW from modules.

The prices of typical modules and systems remained steady throughout 2008, although the year saw a greater price spread, a significant drop in minimum prices and an emerging trend toward bulk purchase arrangements. The average module price was $8 per watt-peak (Wp), while small grid systems averaged $12 per Wp.

Government spending on PV in 2008 – including research, development, demonstration and market incentives – totalled $177.91 million, 88 per cent of this output was spent on Federal Government market incentive programs, particularly the Solar Homes and Communities rebates and the Renewable Remote Power Generation program.