Australia is the first country to endorse a global plan to double the number of homes with rooftop solar by 2030 following its endorsement of the Global Rooftop Solar Declaration at the 2026 Pacific Pre-COP meeting in Fiji.

The Declaration is a roadmap for governments to make residential solar and battery systems easier and cheaper to install by cutting red tape, offering affordable finance, upgrading power grids and training local workers.

The Declaration underpins the 300 Million Solar Homes initiative, and its partners – including the Global Solar Council, Smart Energy Council (SEC) Australia and Solar Citizens – welcomed Australia’s endorsement and called on other governments at a national, regional and local level to follow.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy and President of Negotiations for COP31 Chris Bowen announced in Fiji the launch of the Global Rooftop Solar pledge.

“Australia has 35% of their houses with rooftop solar. We’re working to spread rooftop solar more around the world,” Bowen said.

SEC Australia Chief Executive Officer David McElrea the Australian government has shown it is prepared to take Australia’s global rooftop solar leadership to the world.

“Rooftop solar cuts power bills, gives countries greater control over their own energy and protects households and economies from volatile fuel costs and supply,” McElrea said.

Solar Citizens Chief Executive Officer Heidi Lee Douglas rooftop and home solar is the sleeping giant in global climate diplomacy, despite powering millions of homes.

“This pivotal Declaration provides a pathway to rapidly change that. We now call on national, state and local leaders around the world to sign onto the Global Rooftop Solar Declaration ahead of COP31 and help bring the benefits of home solar to millions more people,” Douglas said.

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