<P> Australia has been internationally criticised for producing very little of its energy from solar power, despite its vast resources, extensive sunshine and overall high potential . </P> <P> The combination of Australia's dry climate and latitude give it high benefits and potential for solar energy production . Most of the Australian continent receives in excess of 4 kilowatt - hours (14 MJ) per square metre per day of insolation during winter months, with a region in the north exceeding 6 kilowatt - hours (22 MJ) per square metre per day . </P> <P> Australia's insolation greatly exceeds the average values in Europe, Russia, and most of North America . Comparable levels are found in desert areas of northern and southern Africa, south western United States and adjacent area of Mexico, and regions on the Pacific coast of South America . However, the areas of highest insolation are distant to Australia's population centres . </P> <P> With an installed photovoltaic capacity of 5,900 MW at the end of 2016, Australia ranks among the world's top ten solar countries . The installed capacity in 2015 was 5,070 MW . </P>

When was solar power first used in australia