It seems we have knocked Moree off its perch as the state's top area for small-scale renewable energy system installations.

Port Macquarie installed 133 small-scale renewable energy systems from April to June 2018. The Clean Energy Regulator released the data on August 23.

Through the months of April, May and June, there were 14,561 small-scale systems installed in NSW. This is an increase from the 12,108 installations in the previous quarter.

One Port Macquarie family who decided to install a new solar system are the Gardners.

Jim Gardner says the decision to "go solar" was made for a combination of reasons.

"Energy prices are climbing while the costs, quality and warranty of the solar products now available on the market are at an optimum," he said.

"Any improvements will be incremental only.

"As well, we are likely to have a lifestyle change which will see us more at home in the near future. And you need to be at home to take advantage of using your own generated power."

Mr Gardner said he researched products extensively and also spoke with people who had gone through the solar experience. He also said not to take the first option provided to you.

"We also tested the water via an online search too," he added.

The Gardners expect the system they have installed to pay for itself in six years’ time.

"We went with tier 1 panels and a high quality inverter with good warranty. 

"Our decision was based on a combination of costs relative to the quality of the product.

"This 8.5kW system should generate about 40kW per day which should see us put some power back into the grid.

"But our focus is on using our power for ourselves," he said.

Mr Gardner said anyone considering installing solar power should decide, if you will get value for money; take advantage of the latest technology and do your research.

"My other tip is to spend your money on quality. This is a long-term investment so don't expect an investment to work on peanuts," he added.

Nationally there were 57,351 small-scale installations in Quarter 2 2018, with a total capacity of 310,706 kilowatts (kW).

Queensland was a close second with 14,048 systems installed while NSW had the highest number of commercial sized solar PV systems (10-100kW) installed in the same period, with 1300 systems installed.

The data showed that there were 4368 commercial sized solar PV systems (10–100 kW) installed Australia-wide while some 1201 solar PV systems that had a concurrent battery storage installation in Quarter 2 2018.

The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme creates a financial incentive for individuals and small business owners to install small-scale renewable energy systems such as solar panel systems, small-scale wind or hydro systems, solar water heaters and air source heat pumps.

Eligible systems may be entitled to small-scale technology certificates, which can be sold to recoup a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing the system.

Since the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme was established in 2001, it has continued to encourage investment in small-scale renewable energy systems. 

These are mainly solar photovoltaic (solar panel) systems on residential rooftops but also commercial-sized solar panel systems such as those on schools, businesses and hospitals.