Ausgrid Reveals Key Areas for Rooftop Solar Expansion in Australia
Ausgrid, Australia’s largest electricity network operator, has unveiled fresh spatial energy planning data aimed at helping businesses leverage their rooftop solar capabilities. This new dataset has been released for three specific locations within its network, providing insights to maximise solar potential.
On Wednesday, Ausgrid introduced its NSW Spatial Collaboration Portal, which now features data from areas selected for the company’s Community Power Network trial. Locations highlighted include Mascot-Botany, the Northern Central Coast, and the suburb of Caringbah.
Aims of the Community Power Network Trial
The primary goal of this trial is to motivate commercial properties to install solar systems that can fully utilise their available rooftop space, rather than limiting installations to what is needed for their own electricity consumption.
Special attention will be given to the underused rooftops of warehouses, shopping centres, schools, and other large buildings. The initiative aims to link these installations to a network of community-scale batteries.
Details of the Spatial Collaboration Portal
According to Ausgrid, the NSW Spatial Collaboration Portal offers detailed insights into the pilot areas for its Community Power Networks. It includes valuable information regarding spare capacity for connecting solar and battery systems, potential network limitations, and recommended areas for future projects.
Tim Jarratt, Ausgrid’s group executive for external affairs and strategy, emphasised that the data release for these three locations is a step towards refining the tools necessary for broader information dissemination.
Exploring Market Opportunities in Caringbah
Jarratt stated, “Our Community Power Network trial investigates how to make the most of large commercial and industrial rooftops by generating additional solar energy, aided by community batteries, while ensuring that the financial gains are shared with local families and businesses.” He noted that the detailed information about the local electricity network aims to provide a clearer understanding of where new solar, battery, and energy projects may prove most effective.
In Caringbah, the newly released data aims to enable market stakeholders to explore various innovative solutions, presenting a unique opportunity to discern what strategies may emerge and the lessons to be learned from them.
Regulatory Developments and Funding Changes
In May 2025, Ausgrid submitted a proposal to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), which later underwent public consultation in August of the same year. The trial is designed to tap into the unused rooftop solar potential within the existing network, particularly on commercial and industrial buildings, and to validate Ausgrid’s hypothesis that overcoming current market challenges will lead to more affordable and equitable electricity for communities.
The AER approved Ausgrid’s waiver in December, permitting the company to establish and manage neighbourhood-sized batteries and rooftop solar in Sydney’s Mascot-Botany and Charmhaven in the Central Coast.
This project required a waiver of ring-fencing regulations that typically restrict distribution network service providers (DNSPs) from engaging in competitive markets.
Recent Changes to Funding Strategy
This September, Ausgrid modified its approach to the trial, shifting from a funding model that would have increased costs for customers to cover its £72.8 million investment, to alternative funding arrangements. Now, the company’s shareholders will bear the financial risk associated with the trial.
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