The new multimillion dollar facility will test high power central photovoltaic inverters in a wide range of climatic conditions.

There is now at least one solar panel in use for every man, woman and child living in the country.

Australia has the highest proportion of households with solar panels in the world, about 15 per cent, according to the Energy Supply Association of Australia.

The projects are located in all mainland states and have a total capacity of 766 megawatts (MW).

The energy sector accounts for two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions.

First orders under the agreement have already been placed.

Energy storage costs are falling, which is just one of a number of energy trends identified by the CSIRO in its report.