A new ranking of the number of rooftop solar installations by electorate shows that Barwon has the most homes and businesses with rooftop solar in the state, with over 24,500 installations producing power in the region.

"From the Far West to the Northern Rivers, regional NSW is leading the charge on rooftop solar," said Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe.

NSW is the top state for solar installations, with over one million homes and businesses having rooftop solar and rooftop solar and solar farms combined providing 32% of the state’s electricity in the last quarter of 2025.

Member for Barwon Roy Butler says it is no surprise the west is setting the example.

“Because Barwon covers 44 percent of the state, and is in a part of the state that receives higher average sunshine than other parts, it stands to reason that solar power is a good fit for many residents and businesses," he says.

Gilgandra is the top contributor in the Western Plains, with 1394 homes and businesses equipped with roofing solar.

Narromine comes next in line, with 1345, and Cobar has 1207 solar installations.

Solar power makes for a cheap way to produce energy. The NSW Government says an average 4-person household with a 6.6kW solar system could save up to $1,400 per year.

"Any savings that can be made through domestic use or small business solar programs are more than welcome and people know that good installations will save them money over time," Mr Butler says.

Farmers for Climate Action CEO, Verity Morgan-Schmidt, said the real “rush to renewables” is on rural rooftops.

“Solar saves you money. Country people know it. It’s that simple,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.

Ballina was second to Barwon, with 22,743 roofs topped with solar, and Lismore third, with 22,162.