Dubbo has replaced Port Macquarie as the leader in small-scale system installations in New South Wales,  installing 170 small-scale systems in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Mayor Ben Shields said he was not surprised that Dubbo has taken the lead in small scale renewable energy installations.

"I have detected a determination among our residents who not only see the environmental benefits of installing solar panels but also understand the long term financial advantages of being able to produce their own electricity," he said.

"It’s pleasing to have these figures back up Dubbo’s case that we are NSW’s regional leader in many categories; that business can be assured that our community are financially minded and are up with the times in technological energy development."

​Through the months of October, November and December, there were 16,450 small-scale system installed in NSW. This is an increase from the 15,883 installations in the previous quarter.

Homes and businesses across NSW installed a mix of air source heat pumps, solar PV (panels) and solar water heaters. These technologies generate renewable electricity which displaces electricity generated from non-renewable sources.