Rewiring Australia has backed the Committee for Sydney's call for mandatory solar panels on all new buildings to help turn the city into a Renewable Energy Zone.
In a report released today, the think-tank found that up to 75 per cent of metropolitan Sydney's annual energy needs could be met if every rooftop had solar panels.
"Rooftop solar is the cheapest delivered source of energy in Australia's history," said Rewiring Australia CEO Francis Vierboom.
"The solution to low-cost, clean energy lies on the rooftops of our homes and neighbourhoods. Mandating solar for new builds is a no-brainer.
"Our cities should be powered by rooftop solar and community batteries that let every household participate, whether they have a roof or not.
"We strongly support the idea of Sydney as a Renewable Energy Zone along with the emerging Illawarra Urban Renewable Energy Zone."
In order for renewable energy zones to realise their full potential, Rewiring Australia is calling for urgent updates to outdated electricity market rules which are not fit for purpose.
"The electricity market was designed for an era of coal-fired power, not for the rooftops of everyday Australians. It's time to rewrite the rules to empower households and communities to lead our renewable energy future.
"This must include updating pricing and tariffs so households and communities are paid fairly for supplying clean energy back to the grid."
