Recently, Australia signed the Global Rooftop Solar Declaration at the preparatory meeting for the 2026 Pacific Climate Change Conference held in Fiji.

The declaration sets out a roadmap for governments aimed at making the installation of residential solar and battery systems easier and more affordable by reducing red tape, providing affordable financing, upgrading grids, and training local workers.

The declaration serves as the foundation for the “300 Million Solar Homes” initiative. Its partners—including the Global Solar Council, the Australian Smart Energy Council (SEC), and Solar Citizens—welcomed Australia’s endorsement and called on other national, regional, and local governments to follow suit. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy and President of COP31 negotiations, said, “Already 35% of Australian households have rooftop solar. We are working to scale up rooftop solar globally.”

Sonia Dunlop, CEO of the Global Solar Council, said the world took about 30 years to achieve the first 150 million solar homes.

Dunlop stated: “We want to add 150 million in just four years. Australia’s support and practical implementation experience are exactly what we need to achieve this around the world.”

Signatories will support practical cooperation in areas including urban, state, and regional delivery partnerships; rooftop solar policy design; household financing models; grid integration and storage; consumer protection and safety; training and workforce standards; data and deployment tracking; and access models for low-income and vulnerable groups.

Rooftop solar and battery storage are among the fastest-growing segments of the global energy system and are expected to contribute 42% of solar growth and 34% of all renewable energy growth by 2030.